Freedom House: Azerbaijan Remains a Non-Free Country

In Azerbaijan, the press is not free, and the Internet is partially free. This is the conclusion of a Freedom House report. The country is seeking to position itself as a leader in communications technology (ICT) for the region. Activity in this area has increased significantly since 2011, which encouraged the authorities to strengthen control over the environment, which remains the main source of information for most citizens.

Internet is relatively available for legal entities and individuals in urban areas, but outside city limits, access is restricted. The quality of communication is still very low, and the price does not match the advertised speed. Authorities generally do not censor online content. In 2011, there were cases of blocking of several opposition websites, including Radio Liberty.

There were numerous arrests, harassment, intimidation, and violence against activists for organizing demonstrations or criticism of the government in social networks, especially after the Arab Spring in early 2011. In many cases, the activists were imprisoned on trumped-up charges such as drug possession or disorderly conduct. In 2012, the government increased surveillance of mobile phones by installing special equipment at the mobile telecom providers.

Fixed broadband Internet access was provided to almost a million people in 2011, with broadband speeds of 10.5%. In 2011, providers reduced the prices on the Internet by 25-50%. At the end of 2011, ADSL connection speed was 1 Mbps, and the cost was 15 AZN (US $ 20), which is 4-5% of the average wage. These prices are still out of reach for many Azerbaijanis, because the average monthly salary is 356 manats (US $ 453).

Azerbaijan has no independent regulatory authority for the telecommunications sector, and the ministry has a monopoly on the provision of Internet service providers. Journalists, activists, and people critical of the government are increasingly turning to the Internet; hence, the Azerbaijani authorities increased intimidation efforts in order to suppress opposition voices by arresting users. Some state universities have threatened students with problems if they show political activity on the Internet.

Authorities attempted to discredit social media, criticizing them and saying they threaten the health of people. In November 2011, journalist Rafiq Tagi was mugged and died from the injuries sustained in the assault. A few days before he was attacked, he had published an article that was critical of the Iranian government. In March 2012, journalist Khadija Ismailova became the subject of blackmail.

Legislation allows law enforcement agencies to monitor private communications and to monitor without a court order, when it is necessary "to prevent serious crimes against the state." This formulation gives the opportunity for abuse by Internal Affairs and National Security, which control the phone and internet communications of people. Particular criticism was that the largest mobile operator in Azerbaijan provided these agencies with equipment to monitor mobile communications, including phone text messages and phone calls without a court order.

* For five consecutive years, Azerbaijan has been recognized by Freedom House as a non-free country.-02D-