Economist Fazil Gasimov and investigative journalist Hafiz Babali, both prominent political prisoners in Azerbaijan, have addressed an open letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. This appeal, published on behalf of the Committee for the Defense of Political Prisoners ahead of the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum, aims to draw global attention to the grave human rights situation in Azerbaijan.

The letter's authors emphasize that, despite Azerbaijan's accession to key international human rights covenants, the number of people detained in the country for political reasons has risen to 400. The letter asserts that the principle of separation of powers has been lost in Azerbaijan, and the judicial system has become an instrument of political persecution. Instead of a fair trial, the signatories claim, a system based on unlawful directives operates. Furthermore, the authors point to a climate of impunity within law enforcement and penitentiary agencies, where officers torture and inhumanely treat those who advocate for democracy.

The letter expresses hope that the UN leadership will not ignore the ongoing repression and, during negotiations with the Azerbaijani authorities, will demand the release of all political prisoners. The authors also requested that special attention be paid to female journalists imprisoned for their professional activities and that the possibility of visiting them be considered.