On July 2, 2025, a regular meeting of the Presidium of the Bar Association of the Republic of Azerbaijan (VK) was convened.

The meeting was opened by the Chairman of the VK, Mr. Anar Baghirov, who delivered a comprehensive report on the current activities of the Presidium, the work accomplished to date, and the key priorities and objectives for the coming period.

In his remarks, the Chairman strongly condemned the acts of violence and unlawful detentions committed against Azerbaijani citizens in the city of Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, emphasizing that such incidents are wholly unacceptable and intolerable.

Mr. Baghirov announced that an official appeal will be submitted to the Federal Chamber of Lawyers of the Russian Federation with the aim of ensuring the provision of professional legal assistance to unlawfully detained Azerbaijani citizens and their family members. Furthermore, he stated that appeals will also be addressed to international human rights organizations concerning documented cases of inhumane treatment and abuse of authority by law enforcement officers against lawyers in Yekaterinburg. The Chairman stressed that the Bar Association of the Republic of Azerbaijan will maintain strict oversight of this matter and will take all necessary actions within the framework of legal mechanisms. He further emphasized that such actions seriously undermine the prestige of the legal profession and instill fear within society, as lawyers—who are entrusted with defending others—are themselves being subjected to violence and left defenseless.

Subsequently, in accordance with the meeting’s agenda, the issue of admission to the Bar was considered. An oath-taking ceremony was held for a candidate who had successfully passed both the written and oral stages of the qualification examinations, as well as completed the mandatory training program. During the ceremony, the candidate took an oath to uphold lawyer ethics and professional responsibilities and was formally admitted to the ranks of the Bar Association.

The meeting also addressed the matter of renaming the Bar Association Academy. It was noted that, in line with international practice, various educational institutions—such as training centers, institutes, and academies—operate under bar associations worldwide. Regardless of the specific title of such institutions, their primary purpose remains the enhancement of lawyers’ professional skills and the provision of continuous legal education. Following deliberations, the Presidium resolved to rename the Academy as the Training Center of the Bar Association.

In addition, the results of monitoring activities conducted by the VK’s deputy chairmen regarding bar organizations and individual lawyers operating in the regions were reviewed. It was reported that several deficiencies had been identified during these inspections. Instructions were issued for these shortcomings to be rectified promptly, and a decision was made to further strengthen monitoring mechanisms in the future.

The meeting proceeded with a review of the opinions submitted by the Lawyers’ Disciplinary Commission. As a result, the Presidium imposed disciplinary measures as follows: three lawyers were issued formal warnings, three received reprimands, four were given official remarks, and the professional activities of one lawyer were suspended for a defined period of time.

In conclusion, the Presidium discussed other current and significant matters relating to the activities of the Bar Association and adopted the necessary resolutions.