Tofig’s Story
Tofig Yagublu is a prominent opposition politician and long-time government critic in Azerbaijan. He was arrested in December 2023, held in pre-trial detention for 15 months, and convicted in March 2025 of fabricated fraud and forgery charges. He was sentenced to nine years in prison, where his health is rapidly deteriorating.
Tofig has been targeted by Azerbaijani authorities for more than a decade. A vocal critic of government corruption and human rights abuses, he faced repeated arrests, surveillance, and ill-treatment. In April 2025, he began a hunger strike to protest his unlawful detention. He ended it after 40 days, heeding his family’s pleas and hoping to meet his soon-to-be-born grandchild. But in May 2025, the Baku Court of Appeal upheld Tofig’s sentence, and Azerbaijan’s Supreme Court has repeatedly delayed issuing a decision on his further appeal. In late February 2026, after prison authorities seemingly retaliated against Tofig for a peaceful protest his son conducted in Washington, DC, Tofig began another hunger strike that lasted 26 days. The strike was to protest both his ongoing detention and mistreatment and the international community’s failure to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its human rights violations.
You can read more about Tofig’s story here.
Write to Tofig
From time to time, Tofig’s family members have opportunities to communicate with him in prison, directly or through his lawyer. They offer hope and strength, reassuring him that people around the world are fighting for his freedom. A demonstration of that solidarity, in the form of letters from supporters, would do a great deal to fortify his resolve and resilience, despite the circumstances.
Freedom Now is inviting the public to join in by sending Tofig their own messages of solidarity and encouragement.
These letters will not only show Tofig and his family that we stand with them but will signal to Azerbaijan’s authorities that the world is watching how they treat Tofig and other prisoners of conscious. To learn more about why and how to write letters to political prisoners, read Freedom Now’s Guide.
To send a letter, either complete this form or send a hand-written letter or postcard to Freedom Now at:
Tofig Yagublu
c/o Freedom Now
1275 K St, NW
Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
Letters received through the online form will be translated before being printed and sent on your behalf. If writing by hand, you are welcome to write in Azerbaijani, if you feel comfortable doing so. Feel free to use our sample text or make it your own. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Make it personal: A personal connection makes a letter especially powerful. Tell Tofig why his story resonates with or moves you.
- Avoid political content: Prison authorities are expected to open and read all letters. While you can reference the work Tofig was doing before his arrest, avoid direct references to the government or the political situation in the country.
- Stay positive: Avoid dwelling on the harsh conditions Tofig faces in prison. Focus instead on conveying your support, solidarity, and hope for the future.
- Keep it simple: Letters don’t need to be long or complicated—just the act of writing will send a powerful message to Tofig, his family, and Azerbaijan’s authorities.
Dear Tofig,
I am writing in solidarity to express my support for the ongoing struggle for human rights and democratic freedoms in Azerbaijan.
I am inspired by the contribution you have made to this movement. I admire your commitment to ensuring transparent and accountable governance and your resilience in the face of so much adversity. Your story shows the importance of defending access to rights for all.
The international community will continue to advocate for your immediate and unconditional release. I stand with them in this pursuit of justice. My best wishes are with you and your family as I send you strength and hope.
Sincerely,