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.”
Tofig Yagublu’s sentencing is yet another grim milestone in Azerbaijan’s ongoing campaign to silence those who dare to criticize the government
Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director
“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 favour of geopolitical and economic interests, must take a firm and principled stand against these human rights violations.”
Background
On 10 March, 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” (Article 178.3.2 of the Criminal code) and “document forgery” (Articles 320.1 and 320.2). His co-defendant, Elnur Mamedov, who provided incriminating testimony, was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Tofig Yagublu was arrested on 14 December 2023, and his trial, which began on 14 June 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 defence, including allegations of due process violations.
Yagublu has long been a target of Azerbaijani authorities due to his criticism of government corruption and human rights violations. He has been jailed multiple times on politically motivated charges. His sentencing follows a one-and-a-half year-long escalation of repression, including the recent imprisonment of other opposition activists and journalists on similarly baseless charges.
