In Azerbaijan, a starving political prisoner was detained

A preparatory session was held at the Garadagh District Court in Baku on the case of Zamin Salaev, the head of the district organization of the Azerbaijan People’s Front Party. He stated that the criminal case against him was a political order, and in protest he went on hunger strike for 85 days.

The court refused to mitigate the measure of restraint and to place Salaev under house arrest. PNFA leader Ali Kerimli, who observed the process, noted that a man who performs a hunger strike for 85 days is brought to court in a regular car. He cannot move on his own. Such treatment is inhuman.

On February 8, Zamin Salaev was arrested for three months. Criminal proceedings were instituted against him for hooliganism and the use of force. He stated that the accusation is false and he is punished for criticizing the authorities on social networks.  Human rights activists have recognized Salaev as a political prisoner.

Последние новости
Tbilisi and Brussels Exchange Accusations Over Legal Proceedings to Ban Opposition
Politics
Tbilisi and Brussels Exchange Accusations Over Legal Proceedings to Ban Opposition
20 October 2026

The Georgian Foreign Ministry has criticized statements made by the European Union regarding legal proceedings that could lead to the banning of five opposition parties. The ministry issued its response following comments made on October 19 by European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand.

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.