Amnesty International has demanded the immediate release of political activist Tofig Yagublu from imprisonment in Azerbaijan, according to a recent statement. Yagublu’s ongoing hunger strike, initiated on April 1, 2025, has resulted in severe health concerns, exacerbated by chronic asthma for which he is reportedly not receiving adequate medical care. Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director, Marie Struthers, has criticized Azerbaijani authorities for imprisoning Yagublu solely due to his criticism of the government.
Yagublu’s legal troubles began when he was sentenced to nine years in prison on charges of fraud and document forgery, violations outlined in Articles 178.3.2, 320.1, and 320.2 of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code. Prior to this sentencing, he was detained for four months, a move criticized by Human Rights Watch as a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights. The organization labelled the detention as arbitrary and unnecessary, asserting that it was part of an orchestrated effort to neutralize Yagublu’s political activism.
The case against Yagublu aligns with a broader pattern of arrests and intimidation tactics directed at political activists and independent journalists in Azerbaijan. A series of arrests in 2024 targeted journalists and activists, employing charges such as smuggling, treason, and extremism to suppress dissent. Leading up to this, the 2024 presidential election in Azerbaijan was tainted by accusations of corruption and manipulation, as the government allegedly advanced the election date from 2025 to stifle opposition efforts, resulting in an overwhelming win for the incumbent government.
These developments in Azerbaijan highlight the critical challenges faced by political figures who oppose the current administration. The strategic suppression of dissent and media freedom exemplifies a continued trend in the region, prompting international calls for accountability. For more details on the unfolding situation, you can access further coverage on JURIST.