With the European Games [official website] approaching in Baku, Azerbaijan, this June, human rights groups on Wednesday urged the host nation to release political prisoners held on “trumped up” charges. The European Games are seen as an attempt to soften the authoritarian image of Azerbaijan under President Ilham Aliyev. Human Rights Watch (HRW) [advocacy website] argued [press release] that the Azerbaijan government detained many of their held prisoners under “bogus criminal charges.” Amnesty International (AI) [advocacy website] said [press release], “At least 22 prisoners of conscience are currently languishing in prison or in detention in Azerbaijan awaiting trial following trumped up charges ranging from fraud and embezzlement to abuse of drugs and even treason.” With the opening of the European Games only 100 days away, the human rights groups are now urging [AP report] political leaders across Europe not to endorse the multi-sport event unless the prisoners are released. The European Games will feature more than 6,000 athletes representing the National Olympic Committees of Europe. The athletes will be competing in 20 different sports, including swimming and gymnastics.

The human rights situation in Azerbaijan has drawn heavy criticism from the UN and various rights groups. In February the detention [JURIST report] of Azeri human rights activist Leyla Yunus, held without trial since July, was extended an additional five months. In October the Council of Europe [official website] called on [JURIST report] Azerbaijan to halt the arrest and detention of human rights activists in the country. In September the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights [official website] suspended [JURIST report] its visit to Azerbaijan citing the government’s prevention of access to a number of locations where individuals are being detained. In August a court in Azerbaijan upheld [JURIST report] the conviction and detention of top human rights lawyer Intigam Aliyev. Aliyev was arrested in 2011 on charges including illegal commercial activity, tax evasion and abuse of power. A report [World Report 2015: Azerbaijan] published by HRW reported escalating repression of political critics in 2014 by the Azerbaijani government.