Azerbaijani human rights activist Suleymanli reported pressure in pretrial detention.

Bashir Suleymanli complained about restrictions on his right to call his loved ones.

As reported by the Caucasian Knot, a case has been opened in Azerbaijan against Bashir Suleymanli, head of the Human Rights Institute, and activists Galib Bayramov and Nargiz Mukhtarova, who are accused in a case against "a number of local and foreign NGOs" that began in 2014. They are charged with "money laundering on a large scale," "abuse of office," and "forgery in public office," which carry penalties of up to 12 years in prison. They will appear in court separately. On October 9, 2025, the court denied the defense's motion to drop the criminal prosecution of activist Bashir Suleymanli or at least transfer him to house arrest.

Suleimanli was subjected to pressure in the Baku pretrial detention center, reported activist Zohrab Ismail. According to him, a person suspected of mental health issues was placed in the cell where Suleymanli was being held.

"Bashir Suleymanli says the prisoner was deliberately brought to the cell where he was being held to exert pressure on him. He suspects he could face provocation at any moment. "The pressure is due to the fact that he was arrested for his public activities and is a political prisoner," Ismail is quoted as saying.

Zohrab Ismail noted that Bashir Suleymanli's calls to his relatives have also been restricted. "Although last Sunday, March 22, was Bashir Suleymanli's designated day for calls, he was not given the opportunity. This is believed to be part of the pressure," he said.

Zohrab Ismail reported that Bashir Suleymanli has appealed to the public, the Ombudsman, the European Union's Baku office, and foreign embassies in Baku to pay attention to the pressure and possible provocations against him.