Two Political Activists Released After Completing Prison Sentences in Azerbaijan

Two Azerbaijani political activists have been released after completing their prison sentences, according to reports shared by civil society representatives and political activists on social media.

Elvin Mustafayev, a member of the “Workers’ Table” (İşçi Masası) trade union organization, was released after serving a three-year prison sentence. Mustafayev was arrested in August 2023 on drug-related charges and was sentenced to three years in prison. He denied the accusations, calling claims that drugs were found on him “false” and stating that he was being punished for his civic activities.

Əlizamin Salayev, chairman of the Salyan regional branch of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP), was also released on August 7 after completing his four-year sentence. Salayev had been detained on February 7, 2023, and convicted under Article 221.3 of the Criminal Code (hooliganism involving the use of a weapon or an object used as a weapon). The Qaradağ District Court sentenced him to four years in prison.

Both activists had rejected the charges against them and described their prosecutions as politically motivated.

Their releases come amid continued international and domestic concerns over the prosecution and imprisonment of political activists, journalists, and civil society representatives in Azerbaijan.