In an official statement, Azerbaijani MFA Spokesperson Ayxan Hajizada called the accusations “baseless” and emphasized Baku’s adherence to international legal standards.
Hajizada underlined that Azerbaijan has provided all necessary information to Iran regarding its citizens detained in Azerbaijani penitentiaries, in line with the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
“The rights, personal security, and legal entitlements of Iranian citizens in Azerbaijani detention are fully respected. They are granted access to phone calls, family visits, parcels, and in some institutions, even video meetings with their relatives,” Hajizada noted.
He added that Iranian prisoners receive regular medical check-ups and are allowed to receive medications delivered by the Iranian Embassy in accordance with Azerbaijani regulations.
Highlighting Azerbaijan’s humanitarian approach, Hajizada recalled that on May 26, 2025, five Iranian citizens were pardoned by a presidential decree. He also pointed out that Iranian diplomats have held consular meetings with 37 Iranian inmates in 2025 alone, the latest being on July 31.
In contrast, Hajizada criticized Iran for its lack of transparency and cooperation regarding Azerbaijani nationals detained in the Islamic Republic.
“Our diplomatic missions in Iran are often denied access to Azerbaijani prisoners, and key information such as trial dates and verdicts is withheld. Requests for prisoner transfers under the 1998 bilateral agreement are routinely ignored,” he stated.
Hajizada concluded by calling for depoliticized, bilateral dialogue on such issues and stressed that Azerbaijan remains open to diplomatic engagement. He referenced the most recent consular consultations between the two foreign ministries, held in Tehran on April 15, 2025, as an example of Azerbaijan’s constructive approach.
