BAKU, July 17 — Two Azerbaijani rappers have been sentenced to administrative detention following their performances during an open-air rap battle in downtown Baku, drawing sharp criticism from fans and raising questions about artistic freedom in the country.
Maxad Bayishov, known by his stage name FTB, was sentenced to 25 days in jail, according to Operativ Media. His arrest comes shortly after fellow rapper Akbar Novruzov, performing as Epi, was also detained and handed a 30-day sentence.
The detentions followed a live freestyle event held on Baku Boulevard, where both artists reportedly used explicit language in their verses — a move that triggered public complaints and prompted police intervention. Local outlet Oxu.az reported that Epi was taken in after authorities received a formal complaint over “obscene language in a public space.”
Further developments revealed that Epi was also investigated for drug use, a charge confirmed by law enforcement sources during the ongoing probe.
The arrests have ignited backlash on social media, with many fans and fellow artists accusing authorities of cracking down on freedom of expression. Critics argue that the use of strong language in rap — often a tool for social commentary — should not warrant jail time.
So far, no official statement has been made by the artists’ legal teams, but civil rights advocates have called for greater transparency in how such cases are handled and for a clearer line between performance art and public order offenses.
The case continues to raise broader questions about the boundaries of free speech in Azerbaijan’s evolving cultural scene.
