#SouthCaucasus #SSS #Azerbaijan https://share.google/aimode/UAqRazzV6izvpBjQY Azerbaijan: the “Tartar case” Tartar case” refers to the severe torture and inhumane treatment of hundreds of Azerbaijani soldiers and civilians in 2017. Military authorities detained individuals on suspicion of spying for Armenia and extracted confessions through force, leading to multiple deaths in custody.The ” Overview of the case The allegations: In May and June 2017, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministry of Defense, and the State Security Service launched a criminal case alleging treason and espionage within the armed forces. Widespread torture: During this operation, centered in the Tartar region, of

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Azerbaijan: the “Tartar case”
Tartar case” refers to the severe torture and inhumane treatment of hundreds of Azerbaijani soldiers and civilians in 2017. Military authorities detained individuals on suspicion of spying for Armenia and extracted confessions through force, leading to multiple deaths in custody.The “
Overview of the case
The allegations: In May and June 2017, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministry of Defense, and the State Security Service launched a criminal case alleging treason and espionage within the armed forces.
Widespread torture: During this operation, centered in the Tartar region, officials detained hundreds of service members and civilians. Human rights groups estimate over 1,000 people were systematically tortured to coerce confessions or provide information.
Deaths in custody: At least eight suspects died as a direct result of the torture. One of these deaths, which authorities initially attributed to lung disease, was later confirmed by a forensic study in 2022 to be a result of torture.
Posthumous acquittals: Following later investigations, at least four of the deceased were posthumously acquitted of all charges.
Key developments and updates
Official recognition and arrests (2022): The government officially acknowledged that 452 individuals had been physically abused. Following this, authorities launched new prosecutions against military officials involved. 19 victims who had been previously convicted of espionage were released.
Sentencing of military personnel (2024): Throughout 2024, additional military personnel were sentenced in connection with the torture. As of October 2024, 18 military personnel have been convicted on charges including torture, inhumane treatment, and abuse of office.
Lack of cooperation with human rights bodies (2024): In July 2024, the Council of Europe’s anti-torture committee (CPT) published a public statement condemning Azerbaijan for its “persistent failure to engage” with the committee and for its refusal to cooperate. The CPT subsequently released its 2022 report on Azerbaijan, which documented allegations of severe physical ill-treatment and torture.
Civil society criticism: Despite the government’s prosecutions, local human rights activists argue that justice is still incomplete for victims and their families. Concerns persist over the impunity of many officials and the systemic nature of torture within the country’s detention facilities.

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Oct 26, 2025