Azerbaijan’s 2001 admission to the Council of Europe was intended to promote democracy, but over the past 25 years, the country has failed to uphold its commitments. Instead, President Ilham Aliyev has tightened his grip on power, suppressing political opposition, civil society, and independent media. In January 2024, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) refused to ratify Azerbaijan’s credentials due to its worsening human rights record. Since then, repression has escalated, with at least 331 political prisoners, including journalists and human rights defenders such as Anar Mammadli. Democracy advocates urge PACE and the global community to take firm action, including sanctions and diplomatic pressure, to hold Azerbaijan accountable. “Without decisive measures, Azerbaijan risks further isolation, following the path of Russia and Belarus.” – Andrea Prasow, Executive Director of Freedom Now.

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