Azerbaijan: Free prisoners before Baku Grand Prix race
The Formula One Group leadership should urge the Azerbaijani government to release unjustly imprisoned activists and journalists ahead of the European Grand Prix in Azerbaijan, said the Sport for… More
Azerbaijan: Authorities Detain Writer at Airport in Attack on Free Expression
NEW YORK—Azerbaijani authorities’ detention of writer Akram Aylisli at Baku airport last week showcases the government’s continuing quashing of the right to free expression in the central Asian nation,… More
Letter from Khadija: Don’t let Azerbaijan use political prisoners as props
This is a letter written by Khadija Ismayilova from jail. It originally appeared in The Washington Post. Khadija Ismayilova is an investigative journalist and contributor to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s… More
Bill Introduced in U.S. Would Hold Azerbaijan Accountable for Free Expression Crackdown
The introduction of a bill in the U.S. Congress that would impose visa sanctions on Azerbaijan’s senior leadership is an important move to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its escalating… More
Khadija Ismayilova Conviction Upheld in Sham Proceedings in Azerbaijan
A court ruling upholding the conviction of acclaimed investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova in Azerbaijan this week marks another grim chapter in an orchestrated government quest to silence her, PEN… More
Khadija Ismayilova’s Trial Adjourned until July 31st
Khadija Ismayilova's trial continued today in Azerbaijan as Judge Ramella Allahverdiyeva overturned defense motions for judicial investigation of spurious charges. Ismayilova is expected to give her statement when the… More
Azerbaijan: Meydan TV Director Emin Milli Threatened for Critical Reporting on European Games
On 26 June, Meydan TV Director Emin Milli reported that he had received a threat from the Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sport, Azad Rahimov, in connection with his… More
Sport for Rights Letter Appeal to Lady Gaga
PEN American Center is proud to be a signatory of this Sport for Rights letter to Lady Gaga asking that she appeal on behalf of the jailed journalists, like… More
Azerbaijan Barring Foreign Press and Activists on Eve of European Games Showcases Contempt for Free Expression
Azerbaijan’s denial of entry this week to at least three foreign human rights organizations and media outlets planning to attend the European Games should sound a warning bell for… More
Sport for Rights Letter in Support of Jailed Journalists and Activists in Azerbaijan
Although the Azerbaijani regime spends a great deal of time and money to promote a positive image abroad, at home, it is engaged in a brutal human rights crackdown.… More