The political situation in Azerbaijan
A politician was sentenced to 12 years, and a human rights defender to 7 years and 6 months in prison
Last week, Azerbaijan's Baku Court for Grave Crimes, which issues key political court decisions, handed down two more political sentences, sending representatives of civil society to long-term imprisonment.
Who: Azər Qasımlı. Director of the Institute of Political Management, politician.
Charge: Extortion, committed with the intent to acquire a large amount of property.
Sentence: 12 years.
Who: Zamin Zaki. Social worker and human rights defender.
Charges: Laundering of proceeds of crime or other property, abuse of office, etc.
Sentence: 7 years, 6 months.
Another imprisoned journalist has started a hunger strike
Fatima Movlamli. Photo: Farid Ismayilov
Journalist Fatima Movlamli has been on a hunger strike since March 8.
Reason: The ban on open visits with the families of imprisoned journalists.
Her mother, Vusale Movlamova, says that the prison chief, Elnur Ismailov, and his deputy, Javid Gulaliyev, are directly responsible for her daughter's life and safety.
About Fatima Movlamli: She was detained for her filming for Meydan TV after the journalists were arrested. Like the others, she is charged with smuggling. The journalist denies the charge and attributes her arrest to her professional activities.
Azerbaijan-Iran Relations
Drone sounds this time in the sky over the capital, Baku
Late on March 15, reports and video footage of drone flights were circulated in Baku.
Although no official information has been released, various social media accounts have stated that these flights were conducted by the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan.
There is no evidence to confirm this claim.
Aliyev is trying to keep relations with Iran normal
Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to Mojtaba Khamenei the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, congratulating him on his election as Iran's Supreme Leader.
Other details: The President once again offered his condolences on the passing of Ali Khamenei. Aliev stated that he hoped the bilateral relations between the two countries would develop on the basis of mutual respect and trust, and wished success to Mojtaba Khamenei, as well as peace and prosperity for the Iranian people.
Call with Pezeshkian
On March 8, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian called Ilham Aliyev and said that Iran was not involved in the drone attack on Nakhchivan, adding that the incident would be investigated.
EU's friendship with Aliyev
Ilham Aliyev held one-on-one meeting with President of European Council. 11 March 2026. Photo: president.az
The European Union continues to embrace Aliyev
On March 11, European Council President António Costa visited Azerbaijan.
Aliyev hosted a formal luncheon for Costa. A wide-ranging meeting also took place during the luncheon.
They later made statements to the press. Here's what was said:
Aliev:
The European Union is our number one trading partner.
An important part of our partnership has always been, is, and will unequivocally be energy cooperation.
Today, 10 members of the European Union are receiving gas from Azerbaijan, bringing the total number of countries to 16.
I am sure that peace with Armenia will be lasting. We have also started trade. We have started the supply of essential petroleum products to Armenia.
Costa:
Azerbaijan is a key partner of the European Union.
We are working on a new framework for closer cooperation between the European Union and Azerbaijan.
We are also exploring ways to deepen our cooperation in the defense and security sectors.
I am aware of the challenges you face in the context of the dangerous military escalation that has reached you, unfolding in Iran and the Middle East.
We strongly condemn the recent attack by Iran on the Nakhchivan airport.
Azerbaijan - Armenia
Pashinyan appears poised to fulfill this demand from Aliyev as well
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the Declaration of Independence should not be referenced in the draft new Constitution.
Pashinyan: This document should not form the basis for future state-building because it is built on the logic of conflict. I have already addressed this topic and do not see a need to change my position.
What Aliyev wants: Armenia's current constitution refers to the Declaration of Independence. That Declaration, however, contains a provision that appears to be a territorial claim against other countries. As one of the main conditions for peace with Armenia, Aliyev has stipulated the removal of the reference to the Declaration of Independence from Armenia's constitution.