Prostitution in Azerbaijan

Prostitution in Azerbaijan is illegal[1] but common.[2] Prostitution is an administrative offence and punishable by a fine.[1] Keeping a brothel is a criminal offence and punishable by up to 6 years' imprisonment.[3] In 2017 a draft law proposing to add heavy fines to the punishment for keeping a brothel was before the National Assembly.[4] It has been estimated that there are 25,054 prostitutes in Azerbaijan,[5] some of which are aged 15 to 18.[6]

During the Soviet era prostitution was uncommon except for those under the control of the KGB, many of whom were informants.[7]

In the Badamdar district of the capital, Baku, there are many cafes where prostitutes solicit clients. In 2011, over 300 local residents held a protest against the situation.[8] Prostitutes can also be found in cafes in Nizami Street (known locally as "Torgovaya" – Trade Street) in downtown Baku.[2]

The country is a sex tourism destination, particularly with men from Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.[2]

  1. ^ a b "The Code of the Azerbaijan Republic On administrative violations" (PDF). National Assembly of Armenia. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  2. ^ a b c "Sex-tourism in Azerbaijan: an Arabian summer". JAM News. 12 September 2017. Archived from the original on 16 February 2018. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  3. ^ "Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic" (PDF). National Assembly of the Azerbaijan Republic. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  4. ^ "Azerbaijan to impose heavy fines for prostitution and gambling". APA Information Agency. Archived from the original on 16 February 2018. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  5. ^ "Sex workers: Population size estimate - Number, 2016". www.aidsinfoonline.org. UNAIDS. Archived from the original on 4 April 2019. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  6. ^ "Prostitution gets younger in Azerbaijan". News AM. 12 September 2011. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  7. ^ Nfa, Dr Farideh Heyat (2014). Azeri Women in Transition: Women in Soviet and Post-Soviet Azerbaijan. Routledge. ISBN 9781136871702.
  8. ^ "Protest In Azerbaijani Capital Against Prostitution". Radio Liberty. 23 September 2011. Retrieved 15 February 2018.