Illustration: Mikroskop Media
Azerbaijan - a closed country
Azerbaijan is still keeping its land borders closed, citing the coronavirus
The special quarantine regime in Azerbaijan has been extended until 6:00 AM on July 1.
Official reason: To prevent the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection within the country and the complications it may cause.
The result: The quarantine regime also led to the closure of Azerbaijan's land borders. Since 2020, citizens have only been able to travel by air.
Political pressure
Another media founder was sentenced to 6 years in prison
Ahmad Mammadli. Photo: Personal archive
On March 16, the verdict was announced for public activist and Yoldaş Media founder, Ahmad Mammadli.
Charges: Intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm and hooliganism. He was detained on May 6, 2025.
Labor rights activist subjected to pressure in prison
Aykhan Israfilov, a member of the “Worker's Desk” Trade Union Confederation who is in prison, has been subjected to social isolation in recent months at Penitentiary Institution No. 10, where he is being held.
Aykhan Israfilov. Photo: Ulviyya Ali
What happened: The public activist says that a person who acts as an unofficial “boss” in the prison instructed other inmates to cut off contact with him. The goal is to keep the activist in social isolation.
The inmate says that the living conditions in the Penitentiary are also terrible:
After 10 p.m., the lights in the Penitentiary are turned off and the blinds are closed. In this darkness, you can't read a book or even do a crossword puzzle. I feel like I'm in the USSR of the 1930s. There's a fear that no one speaks of, but that you can see in their eyes.
An 8-year prison sentence has been sought for the bodyguard of opposition leader
On March 18, an 8-year prison sentence was sought for Novruz Taghiyev, the bodyguard of Ali Karimli, the chairman of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP).
What happened: Novruz Taghiyev has been in custody since May 20, 2025. He is charged under Articles 178.3.2 (fraud resulting in substantial damages) and 320.1 (preparation or use of forged documents) of the Criminal Code.
The APFP member denies the charges, stating they are fabricated.
More than 20 members of the APFP are in prison, including its chairman, Ali Karimli.
Ali Karimli is accused of attempting to seize power by force and of acting to forcibly change the country's constitutional order.
AI = a criminal act
Penalties in Azerbaijan are being toughened for materials created with artificial intelligence
The National Assembly has approved, in its first reading, amendments to the law that provide for fines and imprisonment for the creation and dissemination of fake audio, video, and photo materials using artificial intelligence.
The penalties include:
A fine of 3,000 to 7,000 manat (1540 - 3590 euro)
360 to 480 hours of community service
Up to 3 years of restriction of freedom
Up to 3 years in prison3 to 5 years in prison (if these acts are committed in a group)
Relations with France were repaired, but…
A French citizen accused of espionage was sentenced to 10 years in prison
Martin Rayn in court. Photo: medianews.az
At the court hearing held on March 16 at the Baku Court for Grave Crimes, French citizen Martin Rayn was sentenced to 10 years, and Azerbaijani citizen Azad Mammadli was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Charges: Espionage and treason.
Details of the case: According to the indictment, Martin Rayn carried out espionage activities for France.
It is alleged that he gathered information on weapons and ammunition produced in Azerbaijan, the composition of the Azerbaijani army during the 44-day war in 2020, He received instructions to collect information on individuals serving in the Armed Forces or discharged from the reserves, as well as on individuals educated in France abroad.