As COP29 unfolds in Azerbaijan, human rights organizations report increased repression of environmental activists and political opponents. The detainment of LSE professor Gubad Ibadoglu is among numerous cases highlighting the government’s crackdown on dissent since the country’s selection as host. Rights advocates call for scrutiny of host country eligibility in light of escalating political imprisonments, claiming civil society is sidelined in climate discussions. While Azerbaijan’s leadership rejects these claims, critics assert that the summit is being used to disguise the government’s authoritarian regime and ongoing human rights violations.