Azerbaijan is facing international scrutiny as it intensifies its crackdown on dissent ahead of the upcoming UN climate conference, COP 29, scheduled for November. Reports indicate that the government, led by President Ilham Aliyev, is preparing to announce a peace deal with Armenia regarding the contentious Nagorno Karabakh region. However, this political maneuvering is overshadowed by the recent arrests of several peace activists, raising concerns about the state of human rights in the country.

Among those detained is Baruz Samadov, a prominent researcher currently completing his doctoral studies in Prague. Samadov is known for his critical commentary on Azerbaijan's military actions and has contributed to various international media outlets, including the BBC and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFERL). He was arrested on August 21, 2024, and reportedly held incommunicado for two days before the government acknowledged his detention. His arrest, along with others, has been framed by authorities as a response to alleged treason, further highlighting the tense political climate as Azerbaijan approaches a pivotal moment on the global stage.