Over the past decade, authorities in Azerbaijan have prosecuted hundreds of activists, journalists, and public figures on politically motivated charges like drug possession, tax evasion, illegal entrepreneurship, and even treason. As of September 2018, reports indicate there are around 130 political prisoners being held in Azerbaijan. However, these prisoners are more than statistics–they’re husbands, wives, colleagues, friends, sons, and mothers.

In a new video series, we speak with the families and friends of six political prisoners to learn more about their cases and what life is like after they’ve been unjustly taken from their communities. Listen to the stories of Seymur Hazi, Ilkin Rustamzade, Ilgar Mammadov, Giyas Ibrahimov, and Fuad Ahmadli below.

Watch their stories here.