Baku murder sparks fear and anger in LGBTQI+ community

On November 4, 2025, queer citizen Yasin Ibadov - known to their friends as Rüzgar - was stabbed to death on Bashir Safaroglu Street in Baku. According to Meydan TV, the incident was committed by the victim's uncle.

Sources say that 19-year-old Rüzgar received multiple stab wounds and died at the scene. Witnesses said that bystanders did not intervene in the incident and that the police arrived at the scene only after the perpetrator himself called. It is reported that medical assistance was not provided in a timely and adequate manner.

According to initial reports, Rüzgar is queer, and the murder is likely to be motivated by hatred related to their sexual orientation. According to information, Rüzgar is from the Shamakhi region, lived in Turkey for several years, but returned to Azerbaijan after their residence permit expired. Rüzgar has been threatened by their uncle and cousin since their time in Turkey.

The perpetrator is reported to have a previous criminal record. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has not issued an official statement on the incident.

The incident has once again brought to the fore the issue of violence and hate crimes against LGBTQI+ people in Azerbaijan. International human rights organizations have criticized queerphobia and impunity in the country for many years.

According to this year's ILGA-Europe "Rainbow Map", Azerbaijan ranks last among 49 European countries.

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