The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission will hold a hearing on September 15 todiscuss the current human rights situation in Azerbaijan, and the consequences for United States policy.

“Since 2014, the Azerbaijani government, led by President Ilham Aliyev, has intensified a crackdown on dissent, rounding up journalists, political opposition, religious activists, and members of civil society.  U.S.-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and several U.S.-based non-governmental organizations were ejected from the country, and RFE/RL reporter Khadija Ismayilova was imprisoned on trumped-up charges for a year and a half before being released following an international outcry.  Precise numbers are difficult to confirm, but credible reports indicate that more than 100 of those detained remain in prison,” the statement on Commission’s website reads.

Restrictive laws in Azerbaijan effectively prohibit the operation of non-governmental organizations and independent media. The Aliyev government is mired in allegations of corruption, and is facing a weakening economy and declining currency. 

The Commission will also discuss the upcoming referendum on constitutional changes.

Reporter Khadija Ismayilova, Turkel Karimli, son of opposition leader Ali Karimli and former U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard Kauzlarich will participate in the hearing.