Advocacy report: hostages of injustice (FreeArmenianHostages)

Context

In 2025, a series of court trials are set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, targeting Armenians detained by the regime following the 2020 war and the forced deportation of 120,000 Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023. For nine months, the Azerbaijani government imposed a blockade, depriving Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh of basic human rights. The blockade culminated in bombardments, the forced displacement of the entire Armenian population, and the incarceration of their leaders and civilians—tactics chillingly reminiscent of the 1915 Armenian Genocide.

The Advocacy Report

The report argues that the ongoing and upcoming “show trials” are designed to criminalize Armenians and legitimize their persecution. It further contends that Azerbaijan’s judiciary is deeply compromised, functioning as an instrument of the regime in Baku to suppress political opposition and minority groups. These trials starkly undermine the rule of law and flagrantly violate international human rights standards and Azerbaijan’s international obligations. This report is a call to action for the unconditional release of Armenian hostages. It provides evidence for activists to mobilize grassroots campaigns, for journalists to expose these abuses, and for politicians and diplomats to pressure Azerbaijan through international forums.

A Call to Action

This report aims to empower its readers by:

• Providing evidence of Azerbaijan’s systemic human rights violations.

• Providing context on Azerbaijan’s compromised judiciary system.

• Equipping advocates and campaigners with research and analysis.

• Supporting journalists to expose abuses.

• Urging politicians and diplomats to apply pressure on Azerbaijan.

The ultimate goal is the unconditional release of Armenian hostages and over 300 political prisoners of various nationalities, as well as holding those responsible for their mistreatment accountable. Justice for the detainees is critical not only to their freedom but also to exposing the broader implications of Azerbaijan’s actions for international law and human rights. Achieving sustainable peace in the South Caucuses will require sustained global pressure, the enforcement of international mechanisms, and an unwavering commitment to justice.