Nearly 100 Political Prisoners Urge Azerbaijan’s Intellectuals to Speak Out Against Repression

Nearly 100 political prisoners in Azerbaijan have issued a joint public appeal calling on the country’s intellectuals, academics, university lecturers, writers, artists, healthcare professionals and educators to speak out against what they describe as growing repression and injustice.

In the statement, the signatories argue that the Azerbaijani authorities are steadily tightening restrictions on human rights, political freedoms, cultural expression and civil liberties while expanding the use of repressive legislation.

“The authoritarian regime continues to restrict human rights as well as political, cultural and economic freedoms on a daily basis. Through a parliament formed without the genuine will of the people, it seeks to legitimize increasingly repressive methods,” the statement says.

The prisoners accuse the government of using Azerbaijan’s military victory to consolidate political power while suppressing dissent and denying citizens their fundamental rights.

According to the appeal, many of those arriving in prison are young people who, the authors claim, have been falsely accused of drug-related offenses.

“We meet dozens of Azerbaijanis who are brought to prison every day on fabricated charges. The overwhelming majority are young people accused of drug crimes. Those who are framed are your children, your relatives and your loved ones,” the statement reads.

The prisoners warn that political repression is expanding beyond activists and opposition figures and could eventually affect every segment of society.

Addressing the country’s intellectual community, the appeal argues that remaining silent in the face of injustice contributes to the continuation of authoritarian rule.

The statement draws parallels between current political developments and Azerbaijan’s experience under Soviet rule, claiming that today’s authorities continue to rely on methods reminiscent of Soviet-era repression.

It also criticizes the authorities for dismantling independent media, civil society organizations and political movements, describing them as essential institutions for a democratic society.

Referring to the 2023 Soyudlu protests, the prisoners argue that even peaceful local demonstrations are met with harsh repression, regardless of the participants’ age or social background.

The signatories further urge public figures not to be deterred by government pressure or promises, warning that silence today could have lasting consequences for future generations.

“We call on you to raise your voice against plunder, against the ruthless policy targeting human rights and freedoms, and against injustice. If we fail to do so today, tomorrow may be too late,” the statement concludes.

The appeal was signed by imprisoned journalists, civil society representatives, political party members, activists and several imprisoned religious believers recognized by the signatories as political prisoners.

The Azerbaijani government rejects allegations that people are imprisoned for their political views and maintains that criminal prosecutions are based on violations of the law rather than political activity.