All Out launches campaign after police raids in Baku

International LGBTQI+ rights organization All Out has launched a campaign against the detention of more than 100 people during a police raid on a queer-friendly venue in Baku.

The campaign was announced after the events that took place on December 27 and were documented by Minority Azerbaijan and other LGBTQI+ rights groups.

All Out said that those taken to the police station were held for hours in degrading conditions during the raid. According to eyewitness accounts, they were denied water, food, and access to the toilet, and some were made to wait outside in the freezing cold. The organization notes that while law enforcement authorities justified the raid with allegations of drug use, no evidence to support these allegations has been made public.

As part of the campaign, All Out demands that the Azerbaijani authorities, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, conduct an independent and transparent investigation into the incident and hold those responsible for the inhumane treatment of the detainees accountable.

The organization also emphasizes the importance of protecting victims and witnesses from possible pressure and harassment.

All Out says the campaign aims to raise public awareness of alleged violations during police raids and to call for accountability in the activities of law enforcement agencies.

Why local queer media matters and how you can help

For regions like the South Caucasus and Azerbaijan in particular, independent queer media is not a luxury — it’s a lifeline. Mainstream outlets often ignore or misrepresent queer experiences, while official sources exclude them altogether. This is where Minority Azerbaijan has become indispensable, producing investigative reporting, lived experience narratives, contextual analysis, and educational content in English and Azerbaijani.

If you value independent queer journalism grounded in lived realities, expert insight, and fearless reporting, consider supporting Minority Azerbaijan through Patreon. Subscriptions help fund in-depth articles, multimedia stories, community reporting, and advocacy journalism that would otherwise go untold. For €3 a month your support makes it possible for queer voices from Azerbaijan to be seen and heard especially in environments where visibility itself is risky.

Support independent LGBTQ+ media today — 

become a Minority Azerbaijan Patreon subscriber.

Powered by Froala Editor