Azerbaijani Human Rights Defender Mammadli Sentenced to 13 Years on Smuggling Charges

Azerbaijani human rights defender Rufat Mammadli was sentenced to 13 years in prison on smuggling charges, following his 2024 arrest. The case is widely seen as politically motivated, reflecting continued crackdowns on civil society in Azerbaijan. This development signals further deterioration of the rule of law and human rights environment in the country.