Well-known human rights activist denied release from pre-trial detention center in Azerbaijan

The Baku Court of Appeal dismissed the complaint about the extension of the term of arrest of human rights activist and public activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev. In connection with this decision, the defense will send an additional complaint to the European Court of Human Rights.

Bakhtiyar Hajiyev was arrested at the end of 2022 on charges of hooliganism and contempt of court. Representatives of the US State Department, the European Union, the Council of Europe and a number of international NGOs have repeatedly demanded the release of the activist. On June 16, he was charged with new charges of illegal business, legalization of proceeds from crime, falsification of documents and smuggling.

The new charges are related to Gadzhiev receiving grants from a European human rights organization, according to the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety. The organization expressed fears that this case will become a precedent, after which a wave of persecution of other activists and human rights defenders in Azerbaijan under similar articles may begin.

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