Azerbaijani human rights activists demanded from the authorities to release the activist, who was charged with new charges

The Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) condemned the Azerbaijani authorities for bringing new politically motivated accusations against well-known public activist and human rights activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev. The applicants called on the country's leadership to release him.

The statement notes that the new accusations against Hajiyev related to receiving grants from the European Endowment for Democracy once again proves the political motives for the persecution of the man by the ruling authoritarian regime. The law enforcement agencies of Azerbaijan have regarded the receipt of grants from Western donors for the implementation of public projects as illegal business, money laundering and smuggling.

“The new accusations against Hajiyev are a serious signal of another round of increased repression against the remnants of civil society and independent voices in Azerbaijan,” said Emin Huseynov, executive director of the ISBR. In his opinion, European institutions such as the European Commission, the European Council and the European Parliament should immediately send an appeal to the Azerbaijani authorities about the inadmissibility of political charges against Hajiyev and demand his immediate release.

Bakhtiyar Hajiyev was arrested in December 2022. He was charged with hooliganism and resisting the police. Official representatives from around the world have repeatedly demanded his release.

Последние новости
Moscow again warned Armenia about the risks of integration with Europe
Politics
Moscow again warned Armenia about the risks of integration with Europe
30 January 2026

The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern over Armenia's rapprochement with the European Union. In an interview with TASS, Vladislav Maslennikov, Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Department of European Problems, stated that this could negatively impact relations with Russia and integration processes in the post-Soviet space.
Kazakhstan intends to return a Chechen refugee to Russia despite human rights activists' concerns
Human rights
Kazakhstan intends to return a Chechen refugee to Russia despite human rights activists' concerns
30 January 2026

The Kazakh Prosecutor General's Office has approved the extradition of Chechen activist Mansur Movlayev to Russia, despite the risk of torture in his home country. This was announced by human rights activist Murat Adam, who noted that the deportation decision must be implemented within 30 days.
A Chechen resident has been charged with searching for
Human rights
A Chechen resident has been charged with searching for "extremist" materials online
29 January 2026

A second administrative case has been opened in Chechnya in Russia for searching for "extremist materials" online. The case was registered by the Naursky District Court, and local resident Isa Magomadov is listed as the offender.
Pashinyan argued in absentia with the former Armenian president over the US's goals in the TRIPP project
Politics
Pashinyan argued in absentia with the former Armenian president over the US's goals in the TRIPP project
29 January 2026

On Thursday, January 29, former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan stated that the "Trump Route" project would pose the country's "biggest security threat," Azatutyun reported.