Activist Nurlan Libre Reportedly Beaten in Detention

Reports emerged this week that civil society activist Nurlan Libre was physically assaulted while in pretrial detention at Baku Detention Facility No. 1. According to his lawyer, Libre sustained bruising to his face and torso during an altercation with facility staff.

The Penitentiary Service denied the allegations, stating that Libre had injured himself. Libre was arrested in March 2026 on charges of hooliganism which his supporters say were fabricated in retaliation for his online activism criticizing government corruption.

Meydan TV first reported the incident based on information from Libre’s family.