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The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and Media Defence are concerned with the recent criminal procedure initiated against Azeri human rightslawyer Elchin Sadykov and his client, journalist Avaz Zeynalli.

Mr Sadykov is a well-known human rights lawyer, who has represented journalists,activists and politicians over many years. On Saturday night, his home and office in Bakuwere raided by the police. That same night, Mr Sadykov was interrogated and subjectedto a court hearing, and, on Sunday morning, remanded in pre-trial detention for fourmonths. Mr Sadykov has been in incommunicado detention for at least three days.

Today, a court in Baku will hear an appeal against his pre-trial detention. The manner of Mr Sadykov’s arrest and detention raise serious concerns with regard to the legitimacy and lawfulness of the procedures brought against him and their compatibility with international human rights standards.

While searching his house and office, the authorities seized material relating to cases Mr Sadykov is working on as well as his electronic devices. These items are protected by legal professional privilege and contain sensitive information relating to serious human rights abuses. This material should be returned immediately.

Media Defence and IBAHRI have collaborated with Azerbaijani lawyers and civil society organisations supporting cases being litigated at the European Court of Human Rights. The action taken against Elchin Sadykov is not an isolated case but reflects a pattern of harassment against critical voices in Azerbaijan, including politicians, journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders. This latest abuse of the legal system produces a chilling effect on legal professionals dedicated to upholding human rights in Azerbaijan, to the overall detriment of victims of human rights violations.

Mr Sadykov should be released immediately and respect for his rights and liberties must be ensured, in line with international human rights standards. As the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights stated earlier, Azerbaijani authorities have the “duty to ensure that human rights defenders and media professionals can carry out their work safely and freely”.