Azerbaijani political exiles hold congress in Strasbourg

Azerbaijani opposition figures, journalists, and human rights defenders held the First Pan-European Congress of Azerbaijani Political Exiles and Exiled Media on September 26 in Strasbourg, France.

The participants adopted a resolution accusing the Azerbaijani authorities of systematically dismantling political rights and freedoms. They called upon the European Union, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, democratic governments, and international financial institutions to increase scrutiny of the political and human rights situation in Azerbaijan.

The resolution specifically requested the release of imprisoned journalists, politicians, and activists. Attendees expressed concern that the country is transitioning toward a totalitarian regime, noting that independent civil society organizations have been dismantled and opposition parties are prevented from operating normally or participating in free elections.