‘Brutal’ police operation targets queer-friendly nightclub in Baku, Azerbaijan
Police in Baku, Azerbaijan have come under intense scrutiny following a raid on Labyrinth nightclub, a well-known queer-friendly venue, which resulted in the detention of more than 100 people. The operation, described by witnesses and activists as “brutal”, took place in the early hours of 27 December.
Eyewitnesses report that buses of officers stormed the club around 1am, forcing patrons outside before strip-searching, photographing and fingerprinting them. Detainees were then transported to the Nasimi District Police Department. Many were left standing in freezing temperatures for hours without access to warm clothing, water, or toilets. Some fainted, and one individual was reportedly forced to urinate outdoors, with the liquid freezing in the cold.
Accounts of abuse have emerged, including verbal and physical violence. One person’s hair was allegedly cut, another suffered a broken tooth, and there are reports of sexual assault. Witnesses claim detainees were lined up with knees locked and threatened with rape if they moved. Phones and personal data were confiscated, and some individuals were pressured to testify against others. Allegations of extortion have also surfaced, with police reportedly demanding bribes of up to ₼100 (£44) and humiliating detainees by forcing them to drink water from toilet bowls.
Authorities initially justified the raid as part of an anti-drug operation, but no drugs were found. Instead, detainees were fined between ₼30 and ₼50 (£18–£30) for smoking in enclosed public spaces.
Human rights organisations have condemned the raid. ILGA-Europe expressed “deep concern” and called for an independent investigation, while local LGBTQ+ group Qıy Vaar! demanded accountability for alleged violence, torture, and degrading treatment. Despite homosexuality being legal in Azerbaijan since 2000, the country ranks among the worst in Europe for LGBTQ+ rights, according to ILGA-Europe. Previous raids in 2017 and 2019 were similarly criticised as intimidation tactics.
The detained individuals have since been released after paying fines, but campaigners warn that the incident highlights systemic discrimination and the urgent need for legal reforms.
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