Exiled Azerbaijani Activist Manaf Jalilzade Meets Swiss MP Fabian Molina to Discuss Political Repression and Transnational Crimes

Bern, Switzerland — Azerbaijani political activist and exile Manaf Jalilzade has met with Fabian Molina, a member of Switzerland’s National Council (Nationalrat), to discuss the worsening human rights situation in Azerbaijan and the transnational repression orchestrated by the Aliyev regime.

The meeting took place amid growing concern over the Azerbaijani government’s extraterritorial targeting of dissidents, the tightening grip on domestic political opposition, and the increasingly opaque role of the state oil company SOCAR in alleged international operations.

A Critical Dialogue on Authoritarianism and Transnational Repression

During the hour-long discussion, Jalilzade and Molina covered a range of topics, including the systematic crackdown on political dissent in Azerbaijan, the use of surveillance and physical intimidation against exiled critics abroad, and Azerbaijan’s troubling use of state institutions, such as SOCAR, to further political agendas under the guise of economic partnerships.

Jalilzade provided a first-hand account of the human rights violations faced by Azerbaijani opposition figures and journalists, both inside and outside the country. Molina, a well-known advocate for democratic values and international solidarity, expressed strong interest in the issues raised and affirmed his commitment to following up on the matter through political and parliamentary channels.

“The conversation shed light on the dangers Azerbaijani dissidents face even in exile,” Jalilzade said. “Mr. Molina’s awareness of the regime’s nature and his openness to further dialogue is a positive step toward building international support for Azerbaijani civil society.”

A Survivor of Transnational Violence

Manaf Jalilzade’s activism has come at great personal cost. In April 2022, while living in Bern, Switzerland, he was violently attacked outside his home in what he believes was a politically motivated assault. Not long after, his residence was raided, and he was physically assaulted again—an incident he links to his public criticism of the Azerbaijani government.

Jalilzade has lived in Switzerland since January 2018, where he sought asylum following escalating threats against him in Azerbaijan. His case is emblematic of the broader pattern of transnational repression carried out by the Aliyev government, which has been documented by human rights watchdogs such as Freedom House and Human Rights Watch.

SOCAR: State-Owned or State-Weaponized?

One of the key subjects of the meeting was the alleged misuse of SOCAR, Azerbaijan’s state-owned oil company, as a tool of soft power and covert influence abroad. According to Jalilzade, SOCAR’s operations in Europe often exceed economic purposes and may serve political objectives, including the monitoring and targeting of Azerbaijani dissidents living in exile.

The company’s opaque structure and close ties to the ruling family raise concerns about its accountability and role in state-sponsored operations under the pretext of energy diplomacy.

What’s Next?

The meeting concluded with an understanding that further consultations and political engagement would follow. Jalilzade expressed hope that Switzerland and other democratic nations would take firmer action to hold the Azerbaijani regime accountable for its domestic repression and international misconduct.

“International solidarity is vital. When dictatorships extend their reach beyond their borders, it becomes not just a national issue, but a global threat to human rights and democracy,” Jalilzade noted.

In light of increasing attacks on Azerbaijani dissidents abroad, this meeting marks a significant step toward elevating these concerns within European institutions.