On March 20, the US State Department released its annual report on the state of human rights in the world.

In the Azerbaijan section of the report, it is noted that in Azerbaijan, there are unjustified arrests, harsh and sometimes life-threatening prison conditions, political prisoners, politically motivated revenge against individuals outside the country, problems related to the independence of the judiciary, interference in private life, freedom of expression and media restrictions, blocking of websites, de-facto ban on free assembly, violation of freedom of movement, systematic government corruption, repression against LGBTQI+, and exploitation of child labor.

In addition, the annual report notes that the violence between Armenia and Azerbaijan in September 2022 resulted in casualties and arrests. The information stated that the parties are accusing each other and have appealed to the European Court of Human Rights. The document added that there were credible reports of illegal and brutal killings, humiliation, and ill-treatment by Azerbaijan's security forces.

The report also included the "Tartar case." The document stated that although the investigation into this case had resumed, 12 people accused of espionage remain imprisoned. The document mentioned the illegal detention or arrest of several other persons - activists, human rights defenders, and journalists - and it is said that illegalities during arrest and detention continue to be committed in Azerbaijan. It is noted that although there is a bail system in the country, judges did not use this procedure during the past year. 

"The law provides that persons detained, arrested, or charged with a crime have the right to be promptly informed of due process, including their rights, the reason for their detention, and the right to an attorney immediately," the report said. The document noted that due process was not followed, it was considered politically motivated, and those implicated were often arrested on several trumped-up criminal charges. The report says that lawyers who defend civil society representatives are subjected to harassment. The report mentioned the names of Tofig Yagublu, Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, Elchin Sadigov, and several others who faced such illegalities. 

The report also mentioned interference in people's private lives. It said several websites and social media had published leaked photos, videos, and audio recordings related to private life during the past year. The document stated that although the national law guarantees freedom of speech and the government explicitly prohibits press censorship, these rights are regularly violated. "The government restricted freedom of expression and limited media independence. Journalists, editors, and independent bloggers faced threats, beatings, and sometimes arrests," the document said.

The report said that the authorities, including the Media Development Agency, exercise control over the media. It is noted that the new media law adopted in February of last year allows further strengthening of such control. The document stated that during the past year, the General Prosecutor's Office and the Ministry of Defense issued warnings to journalists, bloggers, and social media users for "spreading false information." Some of them were punished administratively.

It is noted in the document that the law "On Political Parties" passed in December last year in a non-transparent manner further limited the field of activity of political parties. It is also said that the government did not take into account the recommendations of the democratic institutions, including the Venice Commission, regarding the law. "The ruling New Azerbaijan Party continues to dominate the political system. Political parties often could not be officially registered," the report stated. In addition, the report noted that opposition parties have difficulty renting office space. Other political parties also face difficulties in registration, financing, free assembly, and organization.