August 1, 2025 – Baku, Azerbaijan — Azerbaijani authorities have raised serious concerns over the activities of the Iran-backed group “Huseyniyun,” accusing it of using women and minors to conduct ideological subversion and religious propaganda aimed at destabilizing Azerbaijan.
The group, comprised mainly of Azerbaijani fugitives residing in Iran, is allegedly supported by Iranian intelligence and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Despite being wanted internationally for organizing armed opposition and promoting an Iranian-style theocracy in Azerbaijan, its leaders continue to live freely in Iran under questionable protection.
Recent developments indicate that the group is now turning to a new tactic: mobilizing religiously devout women under the guise of social activism. On July 6, during Ashura commemorations at Bibi-Heybat Mosque in Baku, a group of veiled women led by Shahla Farajova staged a provocative display involving flags and slogans, seeking confrontation with police and subsequent social media coverage. Authorities link the stunt directly to Huseyniyun’s wider strategy.
Investigations reveal Farajova has longstanding ties with Tohid Ibrahimbeili, the group’s fugitive leader, and his family in Iran. She reportedly recruits uneducated women and minors, organizes religious gatherings with political overtones, and spreads content glorifying Iranian policy via WhatsApp and social platforms—sometimes labeling Azerbaijan’s secular government as “Taghut” (a term for oppressive regimes in Islamic terminology).
The group’s activities have allegedly included recruiting women into organized cells, encouraging them to film religious events and send footage to Iran. In one WhatsApp group of 500 members, Farajova is said to post political content and inflammatory rhetoric.
Authorities are especially concerned about the involvement of minors, warning that these women and their children are becoming targets for Iranian intelligence recruitment. A list of 21 women allegedly involved in Farajova’s network has been published as a public warning.
Officials urge families and community members to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to prevent further exploitation of religious sentiments for political manipulation by foreign actors.
