FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “International events like COP29 should not be used to gloss over the repressions of Azerbaijan’s authoritarian regime. Instead, attendees—politicians, activists and journalists—discussing climate change in Baku should also raise awareness of the political prisoners unjustly detained and suffering in Azerbaijan’s prisons.” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms Azerbaijani political refugee Vidadi Isgandarli, who resides in France, was attacked on Sunday and is in critical condition. Exiled journalist Ganimat Zahid reported this on his social media...


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FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “Azerbaijan positioning itself as peacemaker but is accused of ethnic cleansing and imprisoning opponents...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms Former MP and businessman Nazim Baydamirli is facing a 9-year prison sentence. On September 16, the prosecutor made this request at the Baku Court of Grave Crimes, claiming that the former MP's demand for money through blackmail had been proven in court. However, Baydamirli disagrees. Before the prosecutor's statement—when the judge suggested concluding the investigation—he objected, stating that there were...


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FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “The real smugglers, those who illicitly transfer the nation's riches overseas, remain free. We are being accused of smuggling because we investigated them...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms In the criminal case related to "AbzasMedia," the detention of journalist, Sevinj Vagifgizi (Abbasova), the editor-in-chief of the publication, has been extended for an additional three months. Sevinj Vagifgizi participated in the court hearing, presided over by Judge Fuad Akhundov. The journalist stated that the smuggling charges against her are fabricated and that...


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FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “In a bid to stifle the rise of democracy in the region and cling onto power, the regime purposefully heightens tensions between our nation and Europe…” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms Lawyer Fakhraddin Mehdiyev visited Niyamaddin Ahmadov, the security guard of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP) chairman, at Detention Facility No. 12. Mehdiyev reported that although Ahmadov remains on a hunger strike, his health condition is relatively stable despite some concerns. He relayed the appeals from party leadership and family members urging Ahmadov...


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FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “Keeping the country closed, restricting freedoms, imposing limitations on people's movements, and suppressing constitutional rights and freedom of assembly under the pretext of a special quarantine regime due to COVID-19 is a political decision…” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms The employees of Toplum TV issued a statement announcing their intention to continue their activities despite recent arrests. Journalists of Toplum TV, led by editor-in-chief Khadija Ismayil, stated, "We will protect freedom of speech and provide a platform for those who have...


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