BAKU, AZERBAIJAN (HRNW) — Amnesty International is calling for the immediate release of Azerbaijani researcher and peace activist Bahruz Samadov following reports that he harmed himself during a Supreme Court hearing.
Amnesty said Samadov remains imprisoned in Azerbaijan in connection with his activities as a researcher and peace advocate.
The organization said he reportedly harmed himself during a recent Supreme Court hearing.
Amnesty is calling on Azerbaijani authorities to ensure that Samadov receives appropriate medical and psychological care.
The organization also urged authorities to release him immediately if his detention is connected solely to his peaceful research, expression or advocacy.
Samadov has written and spoken about political developments and peace-related issues in Azerbaijan and the wider region.
Amnesty said his prosecution raises concerns concerning freedom of expression and the treatment of peaceful activists.
The organization said Azerbaijani authorities should ensure that people facing criminal proceedings receive fair-trial guarantees.
Amnesty also called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Samadov’s reported self-harm.
The organization said any investigation should be independent and capable of establishing whether his detention conditions or treatment contributed to the incident.
The case has attracted attention from international human-rights organizations because of Samadov’s work as a researcher and peace activist.
Amnesty is urging authorities to ensure that detainees have access to lawyers, medical professionals and appropriate family contact.
The organization said peaceful expression and research should not be treated as criminal conduct.
It also called on Azerbaijan to respect its international human-rights obligations concerning freedom of expression and fair trials.
The case remains under judicial consideration in Azerbaijan, while international rights organizations continue to call for Samadov’s release.
Amnesty said the reported incident highlights the need for authorities to address the conditions under which imprisoned activists are held.
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Disclaimer
This article is based on Amnesty International’s September 2026 reporting concerning Bahruz Samadov. Information about his detention, court proceedings and reported self-harm is attributed to Amnesty International and other cited accounts and has not been independently verified by HRNW.
