Human rights

Iran Holds Azeri Poets on Mystery Charges

Arrests look like part of bigger political game.

Wedding Worries for Uzbek Muslims

Detained Azeri Activist Makes Torture Allegations

Ilham Amiraslanov alleges beatings and coercion after questioning where government funds were going.

Uzbeks Face High Risks as Migrant Workers

Consternation at Editor's Arrest in Azerbaijan

Drug charges follow well-worn pattern.

Alarm as Azeri Photographer Charged

With international attention fading, government turns its attention to Eurovision “spoilers”.

Uzbek Teacher Dismissals Reviewed After Bad Publicity

Azerbaijanis Flock to Iran for Food, Medicines

Everything is cheaper south of the border, and healthcare is perceived as better as well.

Gay Rights Under Attack in Armenia

Firebombing of bar, and the approval it met with, are telling indicators of hostility towards sexual minorities.

As Euro-Songs Fade, Azeri Dissidents Fear Hard Times

Campaigners who used Eurovision to highlight rights concerns now expect to pay price for speaking out.