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UN Special Rapporteurs Demand Explanation from Azerbaijani Government Over Arrest of Ulviya Ali

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Three United Nations Special Rapporteurs have sent an official communication to the Azerbaijani government regarding the arrest of journalist Ulviya Ali (Guliyeva), who is currently in detention.

In the communication sent on January 16, Special Rapporteurs Reem Alsalem, Irene Khan, and Margaret Satterthwaite requested explanations from the authorities regarding the journalist’s arrest and alleged ill-treatment.

According to the rapporteurs, Ulviya Ali was detained by police at her apartment during the night of May 6–7 after covering a court hearing of an opposition politician. They noted that she was allegedly subjected to physical pressure during the detention, was not provided with access to a lawyer, and that the search of her home was conducted with serious procedural violations. It was later reported that cash allegedly not belonging to the journalist was “found” in her apartment.

The UN rapporteurs stated that the case raises concerns about possible violations of international human rights standards. The document refers to potential breaches of Articles 7, 9, 10, 14, and 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), as well as Articles 1, 2, and 5 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The alleged violations include arbitrary detention, restrictions on the right to defense, pressure on freedom of expression, gender-based violence, and the lack of medical assistance.

The rapporteurs have requested the Azerbaijani government to provide explanations regarding the legal basis for Ulviya Ali’s detention, the search of her home, and her arrest, as well as the necessity and proportionality of these measures. They also asked whether the alleged acts of violence have been independently investigated and requested information about access to legal counsel, medical examinations, and the provision of independent medical assistance.

Additionally, the UN experts requested clarification on whether the measures taken against the journalist affect her professional activities and freedom of expression.

Journalist Ulviya Ali (Guliyeva) was arrested on May 7, 2025, in connection with a criminal case related to Meydan TV.