On January 24, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) decided not to accept the credentials of the Azerbaijani delegation, leading to Azerbaijan's expulsion from the Assembly for one year. PACE cited concerns over human rights violations in Azerbaijan, including politically motivated arrests, media restrictions, and non-compliance with European Court of Human Rights decisions. Mogens Jensen, author of the report, emphasized Azerbaijan's failure to fulfill its obligations despite 20 years of membership. The resolution received overwhelming support, with 76 votes in favor, 10 against, and 4 abstentions. In response, Azerbaijan considered withdrawing from the Council of Europe and refusing the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights. The Azerbaijani delegation, led by Samad Seyidov, accused PACE of bias and suspended its participation indefinitely, citing a “smear campaign and interference” in Azerbaijan's election process. They criticized PACE for alleged racism, Azerbaijanophobia, and Islamophobia, warning of consequences for the Council of Europe's authority and impartiality.

Ali Karimli, the chairman of the oppositional Azerbaijan Popular Front Party, expressed concern that Azerbaijan's distancing from Europe could lead to an increase in Armenia's allies. He believes escalating tensions with Europe will deepen Azerbaijan's reliance on Russia and Iran, potentially turning the country into a satellite of Russia. Karimli warned that continuing an anti-European policy could isolate Azerbaijan internationally and hinder its economic development, limiting opportunities for financial aid, investment, and technology.

Arif Hajili, the head of the oppositional Musavat Party, criticized Azerbaijan's shift away from European integration, highlighting the country's admission to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in 2001 as a significant achievement of its foreign policy. He warned against the promotion of propaganda against the West, suggesting that such actions could isolate Azerbaijan from the civilized world and have adverse consequences for its security and development.

Ilgar Mammadov, the Chairman of the Political Committee of the Republican Alternative (REAL) Party, questioned the sincerity of PACE's recent actions regarding Azerbaijan, suggesting that the organization had overlooked human rights violations in the country for 23 years. He criticized PACE for combining issues related to human rights violations with accusations against Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, which, according to him, could undermine democracy in the country.

Elshad Mirbashiroglu, a member of the Azerbaijani Parliament, criticized PACE and similar structures for becoming instruments of pressure on individual member states, alleging that they have failed to objectively address Armenia's occupation of Azerbaijani lands and acts of terrorism against Azerbaijanis. He questioned PACE's stance on Azerbaijan and emphasized the country's sovereign right to establish checkpoints on its territory.

Azer Gasimli, the head of the Institute of Political Management, stated that the decision to deprive the Azerbaijani delegation of its mandate in PACE was not solely related to the Nagorno-Karabakh issue but also reflected Azerbaijan's geopolitical alignment with Russia. Gasimli suggested that Azerbaijan's authorities might face consequences such as canceling gas agreements if they continue pursuing policies favoring Russia. He doubted Azerbaijan's immediate withdrawal from the Council of Europe. However, he emphasized the need for the country to address human rights concerns and the implications of its geopolitical choices.