Published: 7 March 2025 20:44
This week saw the arrest of a journalist on charges related to smuggling, discussions on redefining cooperation with the UN, and political prisoners’ appeals in court.
Journalist Fatima Movlamli arrested for smuggling charges
Journalist Fatima Movlamli has been arrested after a court hearing on March 1. The charges stem from a reported discovery of 13,500 euros hidden beneath a mattress in her home during a police search. The arrest follows allegations of smuggling, as stated by the authorities, under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to smuggling by a group of individuals acting together.
Fatima Movlamli, Illustration: Meydan TV
Movlamli, who was detained on February 28, is linked to a criminal investigation concerning her affiliation with Meydan TV. The Khatai District Court has issued a detention order for the journalist for 1 month and 9 days.
Azerbaijan reconsiders UN cooperation priorities
United Nations
Azerbaijan has indicated a shift in its priorities regarding cooperation with the United Nations, aligning its approach with its current national interests and global standing. The shift was highlighted in a recent meeting between Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and UN Development Programme’s Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Qui-Yeop Son. According to the Foreign Ministry’s statement, Azerbaijan is now looking to foster a more project-based collaboration, in line with its status as a contributor to global agendas, rather than as a recipient of aid.
The announcement follows speculations in local media regarding the potential expulsion of certain UN agencies from Azerbaijan, including UNDP, UNHCR, and UNICEF, amidst concerns about the political environment and government crackdown on dissent. However, no official confirmation of such decisions has been made, and it remains unclear how this shift will impact the future of multilateral relations.
Appeal for political prisoner Rufat Safarov denied
On March 3, the Baku Court of Appeals rejected the appeal for the release of human rights defender Rufat Safarov, who has been held in pretrial detention since December 2023. His defense lawyers argued for house arrest, citing the lack of any substantial evidence against him. Safarov himself has expressed deep frustration with the Azerbaijani judiciary, suggesting that any hopes of fair trials in the country are futile.
Rufat Safarov, Illustration: Meydan TV
Safarov, a former prosecutor turned human rights activist, was arrested following his outspoken criticism of government policies and his advocacy for the rights of political prisoners. He was nominated for the “Human Rights Defender of the Year” award by the US State Department, but his imprisonment appears to be directly linked to his political activism. He faces charges of causing physical assault, fraud, and hooliganism, which he denies.
Political prisoner Ruslan Izzatli issues public statement from jail
Ruslan Izzatli, Illustration: Meydan TV
Ruslan Izzatli, a prominent member of the III Respublika Platform and a political prisoner, issued a statement from his cell at the Kurdakhani Investigative Prison. Having been incarcerated for over a year, he reflected on the state of justice in Azerbaijan, criticizing the politically-motivated charges against him and other activists.
In his statement, Izzatli expressed his frustration with the corrupt system, urging others to stay resilient despite the widespread legal injustices. He reaffirmed his commitment to non-violence and emphasized that even though he was unjustly imprisoned, he did not harbor hatred toward those involved in his prosecution. Izzatli also acknowledged the media’s portrayal of his case, particularly the government-aligned press, which he claims has misrepresented his political activities.