The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) announced on July 11 four key decisions regarding complaints against Azerbaijan. The rulings, involving prominent figures such as Leyla and Arif Yunus and Intigam Aliyev, reflect ongoing concerns about property rights, freedom of movement, and access to justice in the country.
Lack of Judicial Independence:
Concerns about the independence of the judiciary in Azerbaijan have been raised.
One example is the case of lawyer and human rights defender Intigam Aliyev, who was sentenced to prison on charges widely seen as again, as politically influenced. pic.twitter.com/dHeGFT8qAf
— miss ???????? (@MsUrartu) September 19, 2023
Intigam Aliyev: Right to Freedom of Movement
Intigam Aliyev, a well-known human rights lawyer, challenged the Azerbaijani authorities’ ban on his right to leave the country. The ECHR found this restriction violated Aliyev’s right to freedom of movement, awarding him €3,500 in compensation. The ruling underscores concerns over the arbitrary imposition of travel bans on activists and lawyers in Azerbaijan.
More sources
European court rules on complaints by prominent human rights defenders against Azerbaijan