Azerbaijan Dismisses U.S. Human Rights Criticism Before COP29

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev rebuffs U.S. lawmakers' calls for the release of political prisoners ahead of the climate conference.

A letter from nearly 60 U.S. lawmakers criticized Azerbaijan's human rights record, urging the release of political prisoners to improve diplomatic conditions for COP29.
President Aliyev described the letter as a 'disgusting appeal' and claimed it was an attempt to threaten and accuse Azerbaijan.
The scrutiny of Azerbaijan's human rights practices intensifies as it prepares to host the global climate conference in November.
Ruben Vardanyan, a detained ethnic Armenian leader, has filed lawsuits alleging torture and rights violations, which Azerbaijan denies.
Peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia remain strained, with accusations of insincerity and preparation for renewed conflict.