The United States has issued a strong statement condemning the Azerbaijani government’s ongoing crackdown on civil society and independent media, calling for the immediate release of human rights defenders, journalists, and activists who have been unjustly detained. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken highlighted growing concerns over the suppression of fundamental freedoms in Azerbaijan and named several individuals whose arrests exemplify this alarming trend.
“The United States calls on the Government of Azerbaijan to free immediately Rufat Safarov, Sevinj Vagifgizi, Azer Gasimli, Farid Mehralizada, Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, Gubad Ibadoghlu, and recently detained associates of independent outlet Meydan TV, among many others arrested for their work on human rights,” Blinken stated. He expressed deep concern over these detentions and the broader campaign to silence voices advocating for accountability and justice.
Targeting Human Rights Defenders and Journalists
Two of the detained individuals, Rufat Safarov and Sevinj Vagifgizi, were slated to receive prestigious honors in Washington this week for their work in advancing human rights and exposing corruption.
- Rufat Safarov, co-founder of the Defense Line civil society organization, has been a prominent advocate for documenting politically motivated arrests, government corruption, and allegations of torture. Detained on December 3, Safarov’s arrest came just days before he was to receive the Secretary of State’s Human Rights Defender Award. His work has made him a target of Azerbaijani authorities seeking to stifle dissent.
- Sevinj Vagifgizi, Editor-in-Chief of Abzas Media, has been held in pre-trial detention since November 2023. Known for investigative journalism exposing government corruption, Vagifgizi received the Secretary of State’s 2024 Anti-Corruption Champions Award in absentia on December 9. Her detention underscores the risks faced by those working to shine a light on abuses of power in Azerbaijan.
A Broader Pattern of Repression
The detentions of Safarov, Vagifgizi, and others are part of a larger pattern of escalating restrictions on civil society in Azerbaijan. Independent media outlets like Meydan TV have faced relentless harassment, and activists advocating for human rights and democratic reform have been systematically silenced. These actions stand in stark contrast to Azerbaijan’s commitments as a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which obliges the government to respect fundamental freedoms and uphold the rule of law.
International Outcry and Urgent Appeals
Human rights organizations and international observers have condemned Azerbaijan’s actions, urging immediate reforms to protect freedom of expression and association. Secretary Blinken’s statement reflects growing frustration within the global community over the Azerbaijani government’s disregard for international norms.
“We urge the Government of Azerbaijan to release those unjustly detained for their advocacy on behalf of human rights, cease its crackdown on civil society, respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all, and fulfill the commitments it made when it joined the OSCE,” Blinken stated.
A Call for Action
As calls for accountability intensify, the United States has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan. This support includes recognizing the bravery and dedication of individuals like Safarov and Vagifgizi, whose sacrifices highlight the critical importance of protecting human rights in the face of authoritarianism.
The international community now watches closely, as Azerbaijan’s actions will have far-reaching implications for its global standing and relationships with democratic nations. The release of detained activists and journalists would be a vital first step toward rebuilding trust and upholding the principles of justice and freedom.