Elena Patyaeva—a friend of Seda Suleymanova, who disappeared three years ago after being forcibly returned from St. Petersburg to Chechnya—was detained in Grozny. On August 23, Patyaeva stood by the monument to journalists who died for freedom of speech, holding a sign that read: "I demand an investigation into the murder of Seda Suleymanova." This was reported by the human rights project "Slovo Zashchite" (Word for the Defense).
At many polling stations during voting in the presidential elections in Azerbaijan, journalists are prohibited from filming and observers are removed. This was reported by a number of local media.
In particular, at the 19th precinct of the 18th electoral district Narimanov-Nizami-Binagadi, journalists were not allowed to film on the grounds that they were not registered in the media register. Obstruction of the activities of media representatives was also observed at the 19th precinct of the Sabunchu 4th electoral district No. 29, and at the 8th, 13th, 12th and 29th precincts of the third electoral district of the Yasamal district.
In addition, observer Javid Nabiyev reported that he was removed from the 13th precinct of the Nasimi-Sabail constituency No. 23 without any reason. A similar incident was recorded at the 1st station in the same area. There the observer was taken away by the police.
Finally, a number of media outlets have noted cases of students being used for multiple voting. This practice, called "carousel", has been recorded in many areas.