An imprisoned Azerbaijani religious activist has been placed in solitary confinement and faces transfer to a high-security prison, according to his family.

A panel of Azerbaijani judges abruptly halted a trial in Baku on Friday after a detained journalist began testifying about the offshore wealth of President Ilham Aliyev's family.

Ex-MP Nazim Baydemirli has been transferred to Penitentiary Institution No. 6 amid serious health concerns and a recent hunger strike. His family and lawyer continue to demand his release and placement under house arrest. Read the full update.

In Belarus, 500 inmates have been set free from incarceration. This has diminished the resistance. The opposition consists of individuals who oppose the government of Belarus. They are facing a crisis.

Activist and English instructor Dayanat Chalabiyev appeared in front of a judge on May 21 at the Baku Serious Crimes Court. He was taken into custody for condemning government policies, including those of the president in the media.

Economist Fazil Gasimov and reporter Hafiz Babali were incarcerated. They ceased consuming food as a form of protest. Those near them stated this on May 20. Fazil Gasimov was placed in a prison cell on May 18. He is now returned to his cell. The authorities indicated they will consider Fazil Gasimov's request. He claims that certain documents in his case are not genuine.

The Baku Court of Appeal has upheld a six-year prison sentence against journalist and public activist Ahmad Mammadli, rejecting an appeal to overturn his conviction. Judge Ali Mammadov presided over the panel that issued the decision on May 14.

Two high-profile political prisoners in Azerbaijan, economist Fazil Qasimov and investigative journalist Hafiz Babali, have launched a joint hunger strike from Penal Facility No. 2. The protest was timed to coincide with the opening of the United Nations’ 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in the Azerbaijani capital, according to statements released by their families.

Today, 17 May, #Baku hosts the opening of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (#WUF13 / @WUF_UNHabitat ), the United Nations' flagship global conference on urbanization. The forum is expected to bring together around 40,000 participants from 182 countries and to be covered by some 1,000 accredited journalists. Its theme reads like a promise: "Housing the world: safe and resilient cities and communities." On the agenda are the global housing crisis, inclusivity, a reliab

Azerbaijani opposition leader Ali Karimli was denied permission to attend his father's funeral. Get details on the APFP chairman's detention, the Ramiz Mehdiyev investigation, and the international call against political repression in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan opposition figure Azer Gasimli faces dire prison conditions at Umbakı. Family alleges severe overcrowding, systemic medical neglect regarding a cellmate with Hepatitis C, and denial of basic rights. Read more on the evolving situation.

The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kallas went to the South Caucasus on an important trip. On May 5 Kallas met with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. The main goal of this visit was to make sure Azerbaijan is a reliable partner for energy. They also talked about working on technology keeping the region safe and human rights.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is worried about Nargiz Mohammadi's health. She is a Nobel Peace Prize winner. Is being held in Iran. Her health is getting worse.

US Senate urges Azerbaijan to release imprisoned journalists like Sevinc Vaqifqizi and Farid Mehralizade. Highlighting press freedom concerns and harsh 9-year sentences, the resolution calls for urgent action to protect democratic values today.

Tofiq Yaqublu, a known Azerbaijani activist is going through a very tough time with his health. He is in prison in Azerbaijan. His health is getting worse every day. His daughter, Nigar Hazi is very worried about him. She is asking for help.

The Tovuz District Court made a decision about Haci Valiyev, the chairman of the "Young Veterans" Public Union. This union is not active anymore. Haci Valiyev is also a known advocate for war survivors. The court sentenced him to two years and six months in prison. This decision was made on May 6. Haci Valiyev and his supporters think this is a move.

Sevinc Vaqifqizi, the editor-in-chief of Abzas Media has been named to the "10 Most Urgent" list for the second time. This list is published by the One Free Press Coalition on World Press Freedom Day. It highlights journalists globally who are facing legal problems and imprisonment for their work.

Read about the deteriorating health of Tofig Yagublu in prison. His family reports he cannot walk without crutches following a hunger strike. Explore the international concerns, legal appeals to the ECHR, and the charges against the activist.

The 'Toplum TV case' intensifies as activist Ramil Babayev starts a hunger strike in Baku. Reports of torture, declining health, and legal pressure on journalists highlight the human rights situation in Azerbaijan. Stay updated on the trial.The 'Toplum TV case' intensifies as activist Ramil Babayev starts a hunger strike in Baku. Reports of torture, declining health, and legal pressure on journalists highlight the human rights situation in Azerbaijan. Stay updated on the tria

Akif Gurbanov reports confiscated writings and restricted calls in Baku Detention Center. Learn about the Toplum TV case, the pressure on Azerbaijani activists, and Gurbanov's continued fight for democracy and free speech from behind bars.