Azerbaijani political activist and refugee Azer Kazimov, currently residing in Sweden, was detained by Croatian border police while traveling to visit his son in Bosnia. According to his family, he was stopped at the Croatian-Bosnian border and taken away in a police vehicle after three hours of detention, with no official explanation provided.
Kazimov was reportedly transported to multiple locations: first to Vrpolje Police Station, and then to the Slavonski Brod area. However, his current whereabouts remain uncertain, and communication with him has been completely cut off. He has no access to a phone, no contact with family or legal counsel, and there is no assigned legal representative to oversee his rights.
Kazimov suffers from serious medical conditions, and although his medication was reportedly given to him, he has refused to take it due to the abusive treatment he experienced during his detention. His family is extremely concerned for his health and safety.
“They first said he would be taken to Slavonski Brod, then to Vrpolje police station. But things happened in reverse. He was first taken to Vrpolje, then back to the border, and possibly now in Slavonski Brod. We were not allowed to give him his phone. The authorities themselves are not following their own procedures,” said his son, Tunar Kazimov.
This situation highlights the urgent need for intervention by human rights organizations operating in the region, particularly those with legal capacity to represent asylum seekers. Azer Kazimov has already been granted political asylum in Sweden and is entitled to international protection.
This is not the first time Kazimov has been targeted. In March 2023, he was detained at the Norwegian border based on a politically motivated Interpol Red Notice initiated by Azerbaijani authorities. Thanks to the swift efforts of the Norwegian Human Rights House Foundation and legal support, he was released and safely returned to Sweden.
Kazimov’s case is part of a broader transnational repression campaign orchestrated by the Azerbaijani regime against dissidents abroad. In recent years, the government has intensified its persecution of exiled bloggers, journalists, and opposition activists by issuing in absentia arrest warrants and pressuring foreign states through international policing mechanisms.
We call on Croatian authorities to:
- Immediately disclose Azer Kazimov’s location;
- Ensure he has access to a lawyer, medical care, and communication with family;
- Respect his international protection status as a political refugee;
- Prevent further abuse and mistreatment in custody.
📞 Contact for updates and support:
- Tunar Kazimov (son): +46 700 199 049, +46 735 865 520
#FreeAzerKazimov
#StopTransnationalRepression
#HumanRightsAZ
#AzerbaijanRepression
#JusticeForDissidents
Azərbaycan dili 
English (UK)