ECHR obliges Azerbaijani authorities to pay compensation to persecuted journalists and activists

The European Court of Human Rights has published judgments in the cases of three Azerbaijani journalists and a religious activist, ruling to pay them compensation. They complained about the groundlessness of their detention.

The ECtHR recognized the violation of the applicants' rights and decided to pay journalists Ikram Rahim and Elchin Ismayilli 1,750 euros each for moral damages. Religious activist Ruzi Ismailov will receive 4,000 euros. Journalist Polad Aslanov was given compensation in the amount of 1,800 euros.

Ikram Rahimov was detained in 2018, found guilty of extortion through threats, and sentenced to five years in prison. In December 2020, he was released on parole. Elchin Ismayilli was also arrested in February 2017 on charges of extortion and subsequently sentenced to 9 years in prison. In March 2021, he was pardoned. Polad Aslanov was sentenced to 16 years for treason and is still being held in custody. Ismayilov was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2015 and pardoned four years later.

Последние новости
Friend of missing Chechen woman fined 150,000 rubles in Grozny
Human rights
Friend of missing Chechen woman fined 150,000 rubles in Grozny
20 October 2026

The Akhmatovsky District Court of Grozny has imposed a fine of 150,000 rubles on Lena Patyayeva, who has been campaigning for an investigation into the abduction and disappearance of her friend, Seda Suleymanova—a native of Chechnya. This was announced by the court’s press service.
General Lapin, called ‘incompetent’ by Kadyrov, becomes deputy prime minister of Tatarstan
News
General Lapin, called ‘incompetent’ by Kadyrov, becomes deputy prime minister of Tatarstan
19 October 2026

On 19 October 2026, the State Council of Tatarstan approved the appointment of Colonel General Alexander Lapin as deputy prime minister of the republic. Tatarstan head Rustam Minnikhanov signed the appointment decree the same day. Lapin had previously been appointed acting deputy prime minister on 29 September 2026.
The dispute between Baku and Yerevan over the issue of landmines has reached a photo exhibition in Rome, though only one side is represented.
Politics
The dispute between Baku and Yerevan over the issue of landmines has reached a photo exhibition in Rome, though only one side is represented.
19 October 2026

On October 17, a photo exhibition opened in Rome as part of a "World Without Mines" campaign, organized by the Azerbaijani public association "Gilavar Photo Club." The exhibition focuses on the threat posed by landmines following the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia—a threat for which the organizers hold Yerevan responsible.
Azerbaijan Works on Enhancing Military Interoperability with NATO Countries
Politics
Azerbaijan Works on Enhancing Military Interoperability with NATO Countries
19 October 2026

In Baku, representatives from Azerbaijan, NATO member states, and partner nations have been assessing the Azerbaijani army’s capabilities against the alliance’s standards. The program included operational planning and exercises designed to improve interoperability between military units.