Human Rights
Abzas Media Journalists Remain in Pre-Trial Detention After 18 Months
Despite international pressure, six Abzas Media journalists continue to face charges. Trial date remains unset.
Latest Stories
Human Rights & Civil Society
Civil Society
New NGO Law Tightens Registration Requirements for Civil Society Groups
Parliament passes amendments requiring additional financial disclosure from foreign-funded organisations.
Press Freedom
RSF Downgrades Azerbaijan's Press Freedom Score to 'Very Serious'
Reporters Without Borders cites pattern of journalist detentions in latest annual index.
Human Rights
Opposition Activist Sentenced to 7 Years on Drug Charges
Family and lawyers call conviction politically motivated; independent monitors denied access to hearing.
Economy
Economy
Azerbaijan Begins Gas Exports to Austria and Germany; Oil Prices Surge
SOCAR starts deliveries via the Trans Adriatic Pipeline as Brent crude rises 30% since Iran escalation.
Economy
SOCAR Revenue Drops 12% Amid Global Oil Price Decline
State oil company faces pressure as Brent crude falls below $70. Fiscal reserves under strain.
Economy
World Bank: Azerbaijan's Non-Oil GDP Growth Slows to 2.1%
Report highlights structural challenges in economic diversification and persistent dependency on hydrocarbons.
EU & International
EU & International
EU Council President Visits Baku; Human Rights Unmentioned
Costa praises the gas partnership and announces economic cooperation — no reference to the concurrent sentencing wave.
EU & International
European Parliament Resolution Calls for Release of Political Prisoners
Non-binding resolution passes with 487 votes in favour, citing deteriorating human rights conditions.
EU & International
Council of Europe Commissioner Raises Concerns After Baku Visit
Commissioner highlights restrictions on freedom of expression and calls for transparent judicial proceedings.
Political Prisoner Tracker
302 in Detention — Last Updated 21 March 2026
Active cases tracked by Meydan TV, OC Media, and the Azerbaijan Human Rights House
| Name | Organisation | Charged With | Status | Since |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ahmad Mammadli Journalist, Azerbaijani |
Independent media | Assault (disputed) | Sentenced 6yr | Mar 2026 |
Martin Ryan French national |
— | Espionage | Sentenced 10yr | Mar 2026 |
Abzas Media (6) Meydan TV journalists |
Abzas Media | Currency smuggling | Pre-trial 18mo | Sep 2023 |
Jeyhun Novruzov Popular Front Party |
Opposition | Unspecified | Re-arrested | Mar 2026 |
Meydan TV (12) Mass trial |
Meydan TV | Tax evasion, currency crimes | Trial ongoing | 2024–2025 |
Source: Meydan TV · OC Media · Azerbaijan Human Rights House
Featured Analysis
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Reports & Data
March 2026
Azerbaijan Human Rights Monitor — Q1 2026
Quarterly summary of political prisoner cases, court proceedings, and civil society restrictions. 18 pages.
February 2026
SOCAR & the State: Azerbaijan's Oil Revenue Dependency
Analysis of hydrocarbon revenue share in state budget and economic diversification progress. Data from IMF, World Bank, SOFAZ.
January 2026
EU–Azerbaijan Relations: Energy vs. Values
Mapping EU institutional statements on human rights alongside energy contract volumes. The data tells a clear story.
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Independent analysis of Azerbaijan, without compromise.
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