On 10 April 2012 the Azerbaijani Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling of guilty against human rights defender Vidadi Iskenderov.

On August 27, 2011, the Goychay District Court of Azerbaijan sentenced Iskenderov to 3 years of imprisonment on charges of unlawful interference in the electoral process at the parliamentary elections held on November 7, 2010. On November 2, 2011, the Sheki Court of Appeal upheld the verdict.

It is believed that Iskenderov is being persecuted for his active civil position, human rights activities, and participation in opposition rallies.

Vidadi Iskenderov is the head of the NGO "Promoting Defence of Democracy" and a member of the Civil Movement for Democracy "Public Chamber".

It is widely believed that Iskenderov was targeted after participating in peaceful protests in March and April 2011.