On April 29, Michael O’Flaherty, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, called on the Azerbaijani government to immediately release human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society activists.

O’Flaherty expressed concern over the criminal case against Anar Mammadli, a civil society activist and head of the Center for Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies. He noted that dozens of human rights defenders, journalists, and activists were detained in Azerbaijan, either for legitimate activities or for expressing dissenting views. O’Flaherty urged Azerbaijani authorities to release Mammadli and others, lift criminal charges, and remove related restrictions, including travel bans.

He referenced a November 2024 letter to Azerbaijan’s President, emphasizing that, as a Council of Europe member, Azerbaijan should ensure a safe environment for human rights defenders, journalists, and activists. O’Flaherty cited findings by the European Court of Human Rights, the Venice Commission, and the UN Committee against Torture, which indicate that Azerbaijani laws do not align with international standards. He recommended amending laws and practices to comply with Council of Europe standards, pledging to monitor the situation and raise the issue with Azerbaijani authorities.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry rejected O’Flaherty’s statement. Spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada called the remarks unfounded and biased, accusing them of interfering in Azerbaijan’s internal affairs and judicial processes. Hajizada emphasized that human rights and freedoms are fully respected in Azerbaijan, in line with national laws and international commitments. He asserted that judicial institutions operate independently, guaranteeing the rule of law. Hajizada defended the charges against those mentioned, stating that investigations followed the criminal procedural code, ensuring all rights were upheld. He urged O’Flaherty to avoid pressuring Azerbaijan’s judiciary and focus on human rights issues in other Council of Europe states, such as Islamophobia, migrant treatment, political persecution, and corruption.