Clooney Foundation for Justice Reports Serious Violations in Trial of Tofig Yagublu

The international legal organization Clooney Foundation for Justice has released a report monitoring the trial of Azerbaijani opposition politician Tofig Yagublu, identifying serious violations of his legal rights during the court proceedings.

According to the report, several of Yagublu’s fundamental rights were violated during the 15-month investigation and trial process. Monitoring findings indicate that Yagublu was held in a glass enclosure throughout all court hearings, a practice the organization says undermined his dignity and effectively prevented confidential communication with his lawyers.

The report also states that notes Yagublu attempted to pass to his legal team were confiscated and read by prison guards. The court dismissed the defense’s complaints about these actions, justifying them as part of a “security protocol.”

The Clooney Foundation for Justice notes in the report that the case appears to be part of a broader wave of repression against journalists, civil society actors, and opposition activists in Azerbaijan.

Charges and Court Decisions

Tofig Yagublu was convicted under the Criminal Code on charges of fraud causing large-scale damage and forgery or use of forged documents.

He was arrested in December 2023.

On March 10, 2025, the Baku Court for Serious Crimes sentenced Yagublu to nine years in prison.

On May 6, 2025, the Baku Court of Appeal upheld the lower court’s ruling.

On April 3, 2026, the Supreme Court of Azerbaijan held the final hearing of Yagublu’s case. The session was chaired by Judge Ilgar Giliçov, who upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal.

Tofig Yagublu is a member of the National Council of Democratic Forces and the Musavat Party and remains in detention.