Human rights activist Safarov called his detention a provocation by security forces.

A human rights activist arrested in Azerbaijan cited criticism of the "repressive policies of the authorities" as the reason for his persecution, while recounting the circumstances of his arrest to a Baku court.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot", Rufat Safarov, executive director of the human rights organization "Line of Defense," was detained in Baku on December 3, 2024, and arrested the following day. On June 30, at a preparatory court hearing, Safarov was denied his request to transfer to house arrest. Safarov denied the charges of fraud and hooliganism brought against him in court, linking them to his human rights activities.

At a regular hearing in the Baku Grave Crimes Court on September 29, Rufat Safarov answered questions from the prosecutor, stating that he was arrested for criticizing the "repressive policies of the Azerbaijani authorities," relatives of the human rights activist told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent. "Rufat stated that he was arrested because of his uncompromising stance against the gross violation of human rights in the country, his criticism of the government's repressive policies, and the arbitrary actions perpetrated under the leadership of the heads of security agencies," a relative of the defendant said.

Lawyer Elchin Sadygov, in turn, reported that Safarov alleged a planned provocation against him on the day of his arrest. "Rufat Safarov said he was attacked in the parking lot. In self-defense, he grabbed the attacker's belt and called for a security guard at the underground garage, but a police car immediately appeared, Safarov was grabbed, and handcuffed. It was then that he realized he had been the subject of a planned provocation," the lawyer told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to him, the prosecution's case lacks a reasonable explanation. "It is alleged that Safarov received 60,000 manat (US$36,000) from the 'victim,' but did not sell him the plot. However, there is a procedure for concluding real estate purchase and sale transactions. The money is deposited with a notary, and only after the seller signs the sales contract is the money transferred. Why on earth would Imamguliyev simply give the money to Safarov?" the lawyer noted.

Representatives for the prosecution and the victim were unavailable for comment. An employee of the Baku Court of Grave Crimes told a Caucasian Knot correspondent that the next court hearing in Safarov's case will take place on November 3.

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