Human Rights Watch reports an increase in cases of in absentia convictions in Azerbaijan. HRW Deputy Director for Europe and Central Asia, Giorgi Gogia, stated that Baku is intensifying its campaign of "cross-border repression."
In January, Azerbaijani courts sentenced several government critics living in the United States to prison terms in absentia.
Among those convicted are Sevinj Osmangizi (eight years in prison), Vagif Allahverdiyev (eight years), and Murad Guliyev (six years). The charges stem from calls for unrest and the overthrow of the government published in previous years. HRW notes that this new wave of repression continues a trend dating back to 2025, aimed at suppressing government opponents abroad.
Earlier, the human rights organization "Freedom for Political Prisoners in Azerbaijan" reported that there are approximately 400 political prisoners in the country. The reports indicate that they include journalists and bloggers, human rights activists, socio-political activists, representatives of national minorities, deported political emigrants, and also the category of "believers."
