I am reaching out to you to denounce the unjust detention of Farid Mehralizada, an economist and civil society activist, who has been imprisoned for his courage in openly criticizing the policies of the Azerbaijani government. Farid was arrested on May 30, 2024, just before the COP29 Climate Summit, which is set to take place in Baku. He was brutally taken in central Baku by plain-clothed men, who placed a bag over his head.
Later, his apartment was raided by the police, and all of his equipment was confiscated. Without concrete evidence, he was charged with smuggling in connection to the Abzas Media case, a clear maneuver to silence one of the most critical voices in public discourse. Farid has consistently provided sharp and insightful analyses of Azerbaijan’s socio-economic conditions, challenging the country’s growing censorship and restrictions on freedom of expression. His critiques on key issues such as social welfare, education, and climate change made him a target of the regime.
As an artist, I feel compelled to amplify Farid’s voice and call for his immediate release. It is unacceptable for someone to be imprisoned for exercising their right to free expression. I urge you all to join in this call for justice and to bring attention to his situation, as freedom of expression is a right for all of us. Continue
