Jailed Researcher Bahruz Samadov Reportedly Suffers Deteriorating Eyesight in Prison

The eyesight of imprisoned peace activist and academic researcher Bahruz Samadov has significantly deteriorated during his detention, according to his relatives and supporters.

Civil activist Amrah Tahmazov said Samadov informed his lawyer on July 9 that his vision had become noticeably weaker while being held in prison.

“Bahruz’s eyesight has seriously deteriorated. His eyes need to focus on distant objects, but because he is being kept in a confined environment, all he can do is look at the sky. His vision has become much worse. Taking away his freedom was apparently not enough—they are now destroying his health as well,” Tahmazov wrote on social media.

Samadov has previously complained about poor detention conditions and limited access to medical care. He has also said that the lack of adequate sunlight has aggravated his eczema, causing his skin condition to worsen.

On December 1, 2025, the administration of Prison No. 11 transferred Samadov to the Umbaki Penitentiary Complex, where he was placed under a closed prison regime for one year.

On May 21, Azerbaijan’s Supreme Court rejected his appeal against the transfer, allowing the stricter detention regime to remain in force.

Samadov is a doctoral student at Charles University in the Czech Republic. He was arrested by officers of Azerbaijan’s State Security Service on August 21, 2024.

On June 23, 2025, the Baku Court for Grave Crimes sentenced him to 15 years in prison after convicting him of high treason.

Prosecutors alleged that Samadov had cooperated with Armenian intelligence services. He has consistently denied the accusations, insisting that the case is politically motivated and that he is being punished for his views and academic work.