Bahruz Samadov is a political scientist, doctoral researcher, public commentator and peace activist. He studied philology at the Baku branch of Moscow State University and international relations at Central European University.

At the time of his arrest, he was pursuing a doctorate in political science at Charles University in Prague, researching authoritarianism, political discourse, nationalism and hegemony. Samadov has published political analysis and commentary for regional and international media, including OC Media and Eurasianet.

His writings have criticised authoritarian governance, militarism and the Azerbaijani government’s policies concerning the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He has consistently advocated peaceful dialogue and reconciliation between Armenian and Azerbaijani societies.

Samadov was a member of the NIDA Civic Movement between 2013 and 2020 and participated in peaceful civic and opposition activities. Following the 2020 war, he co-signed an anti-war statement and continued to criticise militaristic discourse and advocate diplomacy.

On 21 August 2024, the State Security Service arrested him and later charged him with high treason. He rejected all charges, maintaining that the criminal proceedings against him are politically motivated and linked to his legitimate and professional academic work. International organisations recognise him as a political prisoner.