Azerbaijani citizen Nanaxanim Babazade, a graduate student at Istanbul University and women’s rights activist, is facing deportation on charges of “foreign terrorist fighter” for protesting against the cafeteria hike and advocating for women’s/LGBTI+ rights.
Babazade was detained by the police and subjected to ill-treatment and physical violence. It was reported that she was subjected to a strip search at the Çatalca Repatriation Center while male police officers watched. Her lawyers reported that Babazade had beating marks on her neck and arms.
His lawyer Veli Günay stated that the student was accused of “membership in an illegal organization” due to his protest against the food hike and that the deportation threat was unlawful. His friends and student organizations demanded Babazade’s release.
It is emphasized that the extradition of Babazade, who has been repeatedly threatened by his family in Azerbaijan, would pose a serious danger to his life.
August 22, 2025
Jinnews / Kısa Dalga