In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on human rights issues in Azerbaijan, particularly the treatment of political prisoners. The executive director of Freedom Now emphasized the urgency of advocating for the release of these prisoners ahead of the upcoming COP 29 climate conference. He highlighted that the next two months present a critical window for diplomatic efforts, urging the U.S. and other nations to apply pressure on Azerbaijan to improve its human rights record before the event.

The director expressed gratitude for the commitment to publicly acknowledge political prisoners during COP, suggesting that such actions could help shift the focus from Azerbaijan's human rights violations to pressing environmental concerns. He warned that once the conference begins, the incentive for Azerbaijan to respond to international pressure may diminish significantly.

The meeting also featured pointed remarks regarding the influence of Azerbaijani representatives in Washington, with one participant criticizing the financial resources allocated to lobbying efforts that promote misleading narratives about the country's human rights situation. This sentiment underscored a broader concern about the complicity of foreign interests in shaping U.S. policy and public perception.

Overall, the discussions highlighted a call to action for U.S. lawmakers to prioritize human rights in their diplomatic engagements with Azerbaijan, particularly in the lead-up to a major international event.