A British human rights activist has been barred from monitoring the European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan after she criticised the relationship between oil and gas company BP and the country's regime.

Emma Hughes, who represents London-based Platform, had her passport confiscated by the authorities at Baku airport shortly after she landed on Tuesday afternoon from Rome.

According to The Guardian, Hughes, who had press accreditation for the Games, was detained and told that she would be sent back to Rome on a return flight within 24 hours.

The activist told the newspaper that she was "okay", but that she has been barred from entering Azerbaijan as she is on a "red list".

The country has been accused by many outlets of using the inaugural Games to cover up the regime's "appalling" human rights record.

The Games will begin on Friday.