This week saw a report highlighting Azerbaijan’s demographic shifts, the beginning of academic Fasil Gasimov’s trial linked to Gubad Ibadoglu’s case, and social activist Famil Khalilov’s courtroom protest, where he denounced inhumane treatment in prison and initiated a hunger strike.
Demographic changes: More than half of the population of Azerbaijan settled in cities
According to a recent report by the Baku Research Institute, in 2023, over half of Azerbaijan’s population (54.5%) resides in cities, marking a significant shift from rural living. This trend has been steadily increasing over the past decade, with rural population numbers dropping from 47.8% in 2003 to 45.5% in 2023. This urban migration is largely driven by the search for better employment opportunities, education, and access to public services, as rural areas face significant challenges like unemployment.
The demographic composition of Azerbaijan has also changed dramatically over the last century. In 1926, Azerbaijanis made up only 62.1% of the population, with significant minorities of Armenians, Russians, and other ethnic groups. By 2019, the Azerbaijani majority had risen to 94.8%, with only small percentages of other ethnicities remaining, indicating a significant shift in the national makeup.
Another notable demographic shift is the gender balance. In 1926, men made up 52.4% of the population, but by 2023, women slightly outnumbered men, comprising 50.2% of the population. This reversal highlights broader changes in societal structure and population dynamics in Azerbaijan over the past century.
Fasil Gasimov’s trial begins amid allegations of ill-treatment in prison
The trial of Fazil Gasimov, a doctoral student from Istanbul University detained in Turkey and extradited to Azerbaijan in August 2023, has commenced at the Baku Court of Serious Crimes. Gasimov, accused of conspiring with economist Gubad Ibadoglu to circulate counterfeit currency, filed multiple petitions during the trial. His lawyer, Telman Gasimov, requested that Ibadoglu be summoned as a witness due to the overlapping charges against both individuals. However, the court deferred a decision on this motion until after the prosecution’s witnesses were heard.
During the proceedings, Gasimov voiced grievances about his treatment in detention, alleging that his legal documents were confiscated by the Penitentiary Service. He claimed to be the victim of moral terror and political repression, emphasizing his deteriorating health due to a prolonged hunger strike protesting his arrest. He detailed instances of inhumane treatment, including threats of sexual harassment, forced intoxication, and psychological abuse, which he believes were aimed at coercing him into suicide. Despite these serious allegations, his petitions for better treatment and the addition of his statements to the case materials were largely dismissed by the court.
Gasimov also expressed concerns about the conditions in the Penitentiary Service Treatment Facility, where he is currently held. He claimed that his conversations with his lawyer were secretly monitored, compromising his right to confidential communication. Gasimov requested that his pretrial detention be replaced with house arrest, citing continuous threats and violations of his constitutional rights. Despite his pleas, the court has thus far rejected most of his petitions, and the trial is set to continue on September 19.
Activist Famil Khalilov faces trial during hunger strike; complains about ill-treatment in prison
The trial of Famil Khalilov, a social activist and first-degree disabled person, began at the Baku Court of Serious Crimes. Arrested four months ago on drug charges after posting critical remarks about the government on social media, Khalilov is currently on a hunger strike that has lasted two weeks. During the court’s preparatory session, Khalilov objected to being labeled as an “accused person” and claimed he had not received an indictment or court notice. His lawyer, Fariz Namazli, requested that Khalilov be released under house arrest, citing his severe health condition and family situation, but the judges denied this motion.
Khalilov’s lawyers Fakhreddin Mehdiyev and Bahruz Bayramov argued that his continued detention constitutes torture, given his severe disability—he is paralyzed in both hands and cannot move or drink water without assistance. Despite their appeals, the prosecution opposed the request for house arrest, and the judges upheld Khalilov’s detention. Khalilov’s strong words during the trial highlighted his determination, stating that while the authorities may try to silence him, his suffering would ultimately reflect poorly on them.
The court postponed the preparatory session until September 5, as Khalilov had not received the indictment.
