Azerbaijan: Information on the treatment of homosexuals
| Publisher | United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services |
| Author | Resource Information Center |
| Publication Date | 4 November 1998 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | AZE99001.ZAR |
| Cite as | United States Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Azerbaijan: Information on the treatment of homosexuals, 4 November 1998, AZE99001.ZAR, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3df0d87d4.html [accessed 18 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Query:
Is homosexual activity a criminal offense in Azerbaijan?
Response:
Amnesty International reports that article 113 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan establishes sodomy, defined as "sexual relations of a man with another man," as a crime punishable by up to three years imprisonment (AI Sept. 1997, 5; AI 30 Oct. 1998). In addition, prisoners convicted under article 113 were not covered under a May 1998 presidential amnesty which released 10,000 criminals from Azerbaijani jails (AI 30 Oct. 1998).
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the RIC within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References:
Amnesty International (AI). London. 30 October 1998. Electronic Correspondence with Representative.
Amnesty International (AI). September 1997. Commonwealth of Independent States: Amnesty International Working Against Laws Punishing Sexual Relations Between Men. (AI Index: EUR 04/09/97). London: Amnesty International.
Attachments:
Amnesty International (AI). London. 30 October 1998. Electronic Correspondence with Representative.
Amnesty International (AI). September 1997. Commonwealth of Independent States: Amnesty International Working Against Laws Punishing Sexual Relations Between Men. (AI Index: EUR 04/09/97). London: Amnesty International.
