Three members of one organization arrested in Azerbaijan in half a month, fourth speaks of persecution, 15 August 2023

Since the beginning of August three members of the same trade union organization have been arrested in Azerbaijan, and a fourth has reported police persecution.

Chairman of the Confederation of Trade Unions “Table of Workers” Afiyeddin Mammadov was fined 500 manats on charges of disobeying the demand of a representative of the authorities, and received an administrative arrest for 30 days on charges of petty hooliganism.

A criminal case was initiated against two members of the confederation – Elvin Mustafayev and Aykhan Israfilov under Article 234.4.3 (large-scale drug trafficking) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, and both were subject to preventive measures in the form of arrest for 4 months.

All three activists denied the accusations against them. They feel they are being punished for their activism.

On the night of August 12-13, another member of the Workers’ Table, Orkhan Zeynalov, announced that he was being persecuted by the police. According to him, a case has been opened against him for non-repayment of a bank loan...

He also noted that he was forced to hide from the police, as he was afraid that they would also plant drugs on him, like other activists, and he would be arrested.

All three members of the “Table of Workers” – Elvin Mustafayev, Aykhan Israfilov and Orkhan Zeynalov – worked as couriers in Wolt Azerbaijan.

The persecution of activists began after a protest of couriers held on August 1. The protesters expressed dissatisfaction with the seizure of their scooters after innovations in the rules of the road.

Following changes to the law, the police are requiring category A driver’s licenses from couriers under the pretext that moped engines are over 50 cc. see This rule came into force on December 16, 2022 due to changes in the law “On Road Traffic”...