For more than a decade, Azerbaijani authorities have been restricting space for civil society. NGOs have been arbitrarily shut down and civil society activists and journalists arrested or forced into exile. Since the announcement of Azerbaijan as the host state of COP29 last year, the clampdown on critical voices has intensified, resulting in arrests and arbitrary detention and prosecution of more than a dozen activists and journalists.
What’s the problem?
Dissenting voices have been oppressed in Azerbaijan for over a decade. Opposition groups, activists and those critical of the government, including environmental groups and initiatives, have been deprived of a genuine possibility to speak freely and voice their concerns.
Anar Mammadli is a prominent human rights defender and climate advocate who pushed for the involvement of civil society in COP29. He was arrested on 29 April 2024 and placed in pre-trial detention. He faces fabricated charges of unlawfully bringing money into the country. If convicted, he faces up to eight years in prison.
Anti-corruption activist and academic Gubad Ibadoghlu remains in custody on fabricated charges. His detention is an apparent retaliation for his political and civic activities.
Spurious charges have been brought against more than a dozen independent journalists. These include Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgyzy and Nargiz Absalamova, who covered topics including environmental protest. They remain in detention at risk of torture and other ill-treatment, a pattern of abuse of the criminal justice system to silence government critics. The work of independent media outlets such as Abzas Media, Kanal 13, Toplum TV and others has been seriously hampered after key members of their staff were arrested on politically motivated charges.
The participation of activists and civil society organizations, and media freedom, are vital to ensure inclusive and effective discussions at COP29. The crackdown on civic space in Azerbaijan means that vital voices will be missing or silenced, and climate justice cannot be served.
Azerbaijan must stop silencing dissent. We must act in solidarity with those punished for holding their government to account.
What can you do to help?
Demand that Azerbaijani authorities immediately release all those arrested solely for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, and repeal or amend laws that restrict these rights.
Link to action (english): Website of Amnesty International