Azerbaijan's Supreme Court rejected the appeal of political scientist and editor of OC Media, Bahruz Samadov, who was previously sentenced to 15 years in prison on charges of treason. The ruling was issued on Thursday.

After the hearing, Samadov shouted slogans such as "Freedom!", "Stop the illegal arrests!", and "Stop the repression!" The defense insisted on a full acquittal, arguing that the charges were insufficiently substantiated. The lawyers also demanded that Samadov's transfer to the Umbaki maximum security prison, where he was sent in October 2025 for a one-year term, be overturned.

According to his lawyer, Zibeyda Sadigova, the political scientist has serious health issues. In his final statement, Samadov disclosed a serious eye condition and stated that confinement in a confined space had negatively impacted his condition, including his rapidly deteriorating vision. His defense also claims that he was repeatedly subjected to pressure in custody, including being placed in solitary confinement.

According to the independent publication Toplum TV, during his speech, Samadov paid tribute to activists Mehman Galandarov, Bayram Mammadov, and Elbay Karimli, who died as a result of government persecution.

Bahruz Samadov's name has previously been mentioned in international human rights documents. For example, in March 2026, at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, a declaration on political repression and human rights violations in Azerbaijan was presented. In the document, prepared by the UN Institute of Human Rights, Samadov was mentioned among examples of pressure on academics, journalists, and civil society representatives. The authors of the declaration also noted the systematic persecution of independent media and the use of torture against detainees.