AZERBAIJAN: ARBITRARILY IMPRISONED ACADEMIC AT RISK OF TORTURE

Dear President Aliyev,

I am concerned about the rapidly deteriorating physical and mental health of Bahruz Samadov, a researcher and peace activist, who has been arbitrarily imprisoned for 15 years, and is reportedly being denied medical care he requires and subjected to prolonged solitary confinement at the high-security Umbaki Prison.

In February 2026, Bahruz Samadov was transferred to Umbaki Prison, a high security facility, located approximately 70 kilometers from his grandmother, his only living close relative. He is reportedly confined to a dark, cramped cell without access to the prison yard. He was also denied his prescribed medications for more than a month and was refused ophthalmological care despite a significant deterioration in his eyesight. On September 25, 2026, after the Supreme Court rejected all defense motions and upheld his conviction, Bahruz Samadov intentionally cut his right arm during a break in the hearing, saying: ‘When words run out, you have to speak with blood.’ Bahruz Samadov has reportedly attempted to take his own life twice while in detention. He has also been held in solitary confinement as a punitive measure for two months and subjected to deliberate isolation during court hearings. Along with the denial of necessary healthcare, these circumstances may amount to torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

I call on you to release Bahruz Samadov immediately and unconditionally. Pending his release, I urge you to end his solitary confinement, ensure that he urgently receives the medical care he requires, and ensure that he is held in safe and humane conditions. I ask that you conduct a prompt and effective investigation into his unfounded prosecution and his treatment in detention, and bring those suspected of responsibility to justice in fair proceedings. Finally, I urge you to end the criminalization of peaceful dissent.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]