About Us
The Independent Lawyers Network (ILN) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization originally established in Azerbaijan by practicing human rights lawyers and currently operating in exile in Germany.
ILN works to protect justice and the rule of law by strengthening the professional capacity of lawyers and legal defense actors. Founded in response to the systematic shrinking of civic space and increasing pressure on the legal profession, the organization serves as a platform for solidarity, professional development, and coordinated legal action.
Through legal defense, strategic litigation, monitoring, and rights-based advocacy, ILN supports lawyers, civil society actors, and victims of human rights violations. It contributes to accountability efforts by documenting abuses, engaging with regional and international human rights protection mechanisms, and promoting compliance with international human rights standards.
ILN seeks to enhance professionalism in the field of legal defense, strengthen the role of legal defense, and promote the importance of building public trust in the effective protection of rights and freedoms through legal remedies.
Operating Under Constraint
ILN’s Formation in Repressive Legal Context
- 11 June 2021 – Application for Registration – Application for state registration submitted to the Ministry of Justice
- 11 August 2021 – Registration Refused – Registration refused by the Ministry of Justice
- September 2021 – December 2022 – Domestic Legal Challenges – Domestic legal challenges rejected at all court levels
- 9 June2023 – Application to ECtHR – Application lodged with the European Court of Human Rights
- 30 January 2025 – Case Communicated – Case communicated to the parties by the Court
Current Status
Communication completed; case pending judgment
Detailed History
Application for Registration
On 11 June 2021, the founders of the Independent Lawyers Network (ILN) submitted an application to the Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan for state registration as a legal entity, in accordance with domestic legal requirements.
Rejection by the Ministry of Justice
By letter dated 11 August 2021, the Ministry of Justice refused the registration request, alleging that the organisation’s name did not sufficiently indicate the nature of its activities, as required under national law.
Domestic Legal Proceedings
The founders challenged the refusal before the domestic courts. On 10 September 2021, they filed a claim with the Baku Administrative Court, which dismissed the case on 16 March 2022. Subsequent appeals to the Baku Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court were rejected on 22 August 2022 and 20 December 2022, respectively.
Throughout the proceedings, the applicants consistently argued that the refusal was politically motivated and reflected a systematic and unlawful practice of the Ministry of Justice. They further maintained that the vague legal requirement to “indicate the nature of activities” contradicted both domestic law and the standards of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Proceedings Before the European Court of Human Rights
On 9 June 2023, the founders lodged an application with the European Court of Human Rights (Application no. 23867/23). The case was communicated to the parties on 30 January 2025.
The Court invited the parties to address whether the refusal constituted an interference with freedom of association under Article 11 of the Convention and whether an effective domestic remedy existed under Article 13. The communication phase has been completed, and the case is currently pending a decision by the Court.