Is there any basis for a series of articles written by pro-government media in recent days?

Bakı/23.11.23/Turan:  In the wake of Assistant Secretary of State James O'Brien's address to the Congressional Foreign Affairs Committee on the future of "Nagorno-Karabakh" on November 15, Azerbaijan has witnessed a contentious shift in its relationship with the United States. Following the speech, pro-government media outlets have embarked on a series of articles condemning U.S. policy, signaling a potential strain in bilateral ties.

These articles, disseminated through government-affiliated media channels, have taken a critical aim at independent media organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and prominent members of civil society within Azerbaijan. Implicit in these publications is the suggestion that these entities are receiving funding from and executing the agenda of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The question arises: Are these claims substantiated, and what motives underscore this series of allegations?

Addressing these concerns, Rasul Jafarov, a prominent human rights activist and the head of the Baku Human Rights Club (BPIC), sheds light on the unfolding situation in a recent episode of the "Difficult Question" program. Jafarov staunchly condemns the international community's stance on the Nagorno-Karabakh region, asserting that it obstructs the peace process. However, he emphasizes that such geopolitical differences should not justify the curtailment of civil liberties or the unjust persecution of citizens by law enforcement agencies.

In response to the initiation of a criminal case against the director and editor-in-chief of Abzas Media - Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgiza, and deputy director Mohammad Kekalov on charges of smuggling by prior agreement, Jafarov questions the legal foundation of these accusations. He deems the court's decision to arrest them as a preventive measure unjustified, citing a lack of substantive and procedural grounds.

Jafarov draws parallels between the recent articles targeting independent media and civil society organizations and a similar information onslaught orchestrated by authorities in 2014 against non-governmental organizations. He expresses deep concern over what appears to be a recurring tactic aimed at stifling dissent and limiting the activities of these entities.