France/Azerbaijan: killing of President Aliyev’s critic exposes failures to protect exiled activists

Reacting to the fatal stabbing of Azerbaijani human rights defender Vidadi Isgandarli in France, where he had been living in exile, Natalia Nozadze, Amnesty International’s Researcher for South Caucasus, said:

“The violent death of Vidadi Isgandarli must be effectively and promptly investigated. We call on the French authorities to consider all possible motives for his killing, including his criticism of the Azeri president and government, which was the reason for his exile. This heinous crime must be addressed urgently, and all those suspected of criminal responsibility must be brought to justice in fair trials.

“This is the second time in recent years that an Azerbaijani living in exile in France has been the victim of a knife attack. The French government must ensure effective protection of individuals at risk who are seeking international protection in France.

“The world needs to know who is responsible for these attacks against Azerbaijani emigres on French soil and steps taken to prevent this happening again.”

Vidadi Isgandarli

Isgandarli, a human rights defender known for his outspoken criticism of Azerbaijan’s government and of President Ilham Aliyev, was attacked at his apartment in Mulhouse, France, on 29 September and died of his injuries in hospital two days later (1 October). He had been violently assaulted and stabbed more than 20 times.

Vidadi Isgandarli sought international protection in France in 2015 after facing persecution in his home country.

In March 2021, Mahammad Mirzali, an Azerbaijani blogger and opposition figure, was stabbed 16 times in Nantes, France, but survived. The French authorities launched an investigation, which led to the arrest of six suspects. The mastermind behind the attack has not been named. Mahammad Mirzali has since been put under a protection scheme.