This week saw significant developments such as the campaign for imprisoned journalist Sevinc Vagifgizi, peace efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the arrest of a civil rights leader of the “Young Veterans” Public Union, Haci Valiyev.
RSF Launches campaign for imprisoned journalist Sevinj Vagifgizi
The global press freedom organization, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), has launched a campaign in support of imprisoned journalist Sevinj Vagifgizi, the editor-in-chief of AbzasMedia, who has been detained in Azerbaijan for over a year. RSF published an article on its website outlining the case and featuring an interview with Vagifgizi’s mother, Ofelya, who discussed raising her daughter under difficult circumstances and how Sevinj became a journalist.
Vagifgizi is currently undergoing a politically motivated trial with charges of “foreign currency smuggling,” which RSF condemns as baseless. The organization calls for her immediate release and that of other individuals charged alongside her. According to RSF, Vagifgizi’s case is a part of broader, escalating repression against independent media in Azerbaijan, with the journalist’s stance against injustice and her unyielding fight for the truth making her a symbol of resistance.
In a message sent from prison, Vagifgizi expressed her optimism despite the harsh conditions: “Our spirits are high,” she said. She boldly affirmed that the charges against her and her colleagues are politically driven, a stance she made clear in the March 11 hearing, where she directly linked her detention to her work exposing corruption within Azerbaijan’s leadership.
Vagifgizi, who returned to Azerbaijan from Istanbul in November 2023, knowing that she would likely be arrested, has faced numerous challenges, including harsh prison conditions and violence. Yet, she remains resolute in her mission to continue her investigative work, even from behind bars. Her story exemplifies the strength and determination of Azerbaijani independent journalism, which faces relentless state pressure. RSF has once again called for her and all other detained journalists to be freed immediately.
Ilham Aliyev outlines conditions for peace with Armenia as German President urges swift agreement
On April 2, 2025, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Baku. During their discussions, Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to peace talks with Armenia, which began after the Second Karabakh War. He stated that Azerbaijan had initiated peace talks and that the text of the peace agreement had been fully agreed upon. Aliyev outlined two key conditions for signing the peace agreement: the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group and the removal of a clause from Armenia’s Constitution that claims part of Azerbaijan’s territory. He made it clear that if Armenia truly wants peace, it must accept these conditions.
Steinmeier congratulated both countries for reaching an agreement on the peace treaty’s text and urged them to sign it as soon as possible. He expressed optimism about sustainable peace in the South Caucasus and emphasized the need for political will from both sides. He also reaffirmed Germany’s clear position on the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, stating that “Karabakh is Azerbaijan.” Steinmeier acknowledged that restoring mutual trust between Armenia and Azerbaijan would require time and effort, but stressed the importance of seizing this opportunity for peace.
The visit marks Steinmeier’s first official trip to Azerbaijan, which is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
Leader of Young Veterans public union detained in Azerbaijan
In Azerbaijan, Haji Valiyev, the head of the Young Veterans (Genç Gaziler) Public Union, was detained by police on 31 March 2025. The union, which advocates for the rights of war veterans and their families, has gained attention for its criticism of government policies. Valiyev was arrested following an incident in Yasamal district, where police reportedly used force against a group of veterans engaged in street vending.
Valiyev faces charges under Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code, including hooliganism and property damage. The charges could result in up to five years in prison. His arrest comes amidst mounting pressure on veterans’ organizations that have been vocal in their criticism of the government. Valiyev has been a prominent figure, speaking out about the mistreatment of veterans and the poor conditions many face.
On 1 April 2025, the Khatai District Court sentenced him to 22 days of detention, sparking further debate about the state’s treatment of civil society activists and political dissenters. The incident in Yasamal, where police dismantled the vendors’ stalls and detained several veterans, has drawn criticism from human rights groups, highlighting the growing suppression of protest movements and civil liberties in Azerbaijan.
