Extra Bio Info:

Ismayil Ismayilov is imprisoned for his religious activity. 

In March 2023, authorities arrested Ismayilov, a member of the unregistered Muslim Unity Movement, along with 30 others, accusing them of using religion to undermine Azerbaijan at the behest of Iranian intelligence services and planning to overthrow the current constitutional structure to establish a theocratic state. Ismayilov's arrest came amid a deterioration of relations between Azerbaijan and Iran and a crackdown on perceived religious Shi'a Muslims.

On an unspecified date, Ismayilov was sentenced to three years in prison for "illegally purchasing or storing without a purpose of selling narcotics or psychotropic substances in a quantity (amount) exceeding necessary for personal consumption" (Art. 234.1-1 ACC).

Extra Bio Info:

Vusal Alish is imprisoned for his religious activity.

In March 2023, authorities arrested Alish, a member of the unregistered Muslim Unity Movement, along with 30 others, accusing them of using religion to undermine Azerbaijan at the behest of Iranian intelligence services and planning to overthrow the current constitutional structure to establish a theocratic state. Alish's arrest came amid a deterioration of relations between Azerbaijan and Iran and a crackdown on perceived religious Shi'a Muslims.

On an unspecified date, Alish was sentenced to six years in prison for "illegally purchasing or storing without a purpose of selling narcotics or psychotropic substances in a quantity (amount) exceeding necessary for personal consumption" (Art. 234.1-1 ACC).

Alish had previously been imprisoned in relation to his religious association. Authorities had arrested Alish in December 2015 and sentenced him to 12 years and six months in prison. He was later pardoned.

Extra Bio Info:

Gubad Ibadoglu is under house arrest in relation to false charges of possessing religious extremist materials.

On July 23, 2023, police arrested world-renowned political economist and civil activist Gubad Ibadoglu on counterfeit money charges, widely recognized as fabricated and in retaliation for his political activities. During the arrest, law enforcement physically assaulted Ibadoglu and his wife. He was charged with “manufacturing with a view of selling, and also buying or selling of counterfeit money, state securities either foreign currency, or securities in foreign currency by an organized group” (Art. 204.3.1 ACC).

In August 2023, prosecutors accusedIbadoglu of possessing religious extremist materials after allegedly finding electric copies of approximately 50 books authored by Turkish theologian Fethullah Gülen on computers in his office. Ibadoglu and his family have denied the accusation. He was charged with “manufacturing, storing or distributing religious extremist materials, i.e. materials calling for the implementation of religious extremist activities or justifying such activity, either justifying the need for such activities” (Art. 167-3.1 ACC).

On April 22, 2024, the Narimanov District Court placed Ibadoglu under house arrest.

Ibadoglu’s health has seriously deteriorated in pretrial detention. According to his family, he has been denied adequate medical care.