Shameful trial: Amnesty International calls on Azerbaijan to stop relentless persecution of peaceful activists

Reacting to the sentencing of prominent Azerbaijani political activist Tofig Yagublu, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director, said: “Tofig Yagublu’s sentencing is yet another grim milestone in Azerbaijan’s ongoing campaign to silence those who dare to criticize the government. His trial on politically motivated charges was marred by due process concerns.”

Struthers noted that this is not an isolated case but a part of systematic crackdown on political opposition, independent media and civil society in Azerbaijan. The country’s authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Tofig Yagublu and cease their relentless persecution of peaceful activists. “The international community, which has long tolerated Azerbaijan’s repression in favor of geopolitical and economic interests, must take a firm and principled stand against these human rights violations,” Struthers added.

On March 10, the Baku Serious Crimes Court sentenced Tofig Yagublu, a member of the National Council of Democratic Forces and the Musavat Party, to nine years in prison on charges of “fraud resulting in substantial harm” and “document forgery”. Tofig Yagublu was arrested on Dec. 14, 2023, and his trial, which began on June 14, 2024, has been widely condemned for its lack of due process, with the prosecution relying solely on the testimony of a victim, disregarding all the arguments of the defense, including allegations of due process violations.