We strongly condemn the unprecedented massacre of protesters by the security forces of the Islamic Republic and extend our deepest condolences and unwavering solidarity to the families of those who have lost their lives. In this context, we declare our full and unequivocal support for the student sit-ins and boycotts taking place at universities across the country.
In the aftermath of this bloody and shocking crackdown, the students’ sit-ins and boycotts constitute not only a legitimate response to state brutality but also a powerful expression of courage, political awareness, and collective defiance. At a time when the ruling power seeks to plunge society into submission through killings, intimidation, and the imposition of a pervasive security apparatus, the steadfast resistance of students has kept the spirit of struggle alive, infused society with renewed hope, and demonstrated that the fight for freedom and human dignity will continue until victory is achieved.
We believe that the situation of detainees must be an immediate priority for pro-democracy forces and for public opinion at large. Preventing executions, torture, forced confessions, and all forms of violations of prisoners’ human rights is an urgent and non-deferrable responsibility. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all recently detained individuals, as well as all political and ideological prisoners, and we hold the ruling authorities directly responsible for their lives, safety, and well-being.
We call upon professional associations, socio-political activists, and all sectors of civil society to strengthen the capacity for civil resistance through diverse initiatives, coordination among forces, and conscious collective action. Society must be prepared for multiple possible scenarios ahead—from intensified repression and the threat of war to potential political openings. Passivity and fragmentation serve only the interests of despotism. At the same time, as the struggle against the Islamic Republic’s system of terror and repression continues, vigilance is essential to prevent fascist currents from hijacking the protests and exploiting the people’s legitimate demands in order to reproduce yet another form of dictatorship.
It is evident that this level of unrestrained and systematic violence reflects a profound crisis of legitimacy and deep-seated fear within a ruling power that is no longer capable of responding to society and relies solely on coercion for its survival. In our view, the only path out of this impasse is the initiation of a genuine political transition, with the participation of all political forces and the authentic representatives of national and social movements, culminating in a free, transparent, and fair referendum—under the supervision of credible international institutions—to determine the country’s future political system.
We believe that achieving justice and equality, and bringing an end to corruption, discrimination, and structural violence, is possible only through a transition to a democratic, secular, and federal system—one that recognizes the national, civil, and human rights of all peoples living in the country and ensures balanced social, economic, and cultural development across its regions.
Azerbaijan Association for Democracy and Development (ODJAQ)
February 2026
