U.S. voices concerns over the deteriorating situation for civil society, media in Azerbaijan
Washington remains concerned about the deteriorating situation for civil society in Azerbaijan, including journalists and media outlets, US Ambassador Daniel Baer, US Representative to the OSCE, noted in his recent statement delivered to the organization's Permanent Council.
"We urge Azerbaijan to adhere to its commitments and to respect the rights of individuals, including those working for media outlets, to express their views freely and without fear of reprisal," Ambassador noted, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.
Recent press releases from the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media also outlined actions taken by the Azerbaijani authorities that appeared intended to interfere with independent media and punish critical voices.
As of December, local NGOs considered at least 12 journalists and bloggers to be political prisoners or detainees, including well-known journalist Khadija Ismayilova, according to Ambassador Baer.-0-
Politics
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On the evening of February 5, it was reported that journalist Shahnaz Beylargizi had been arrested. She had been a presenter on the Toplum TV channel for several years. After a criminal case was initiated against the channel in March 2024 and nearly all of its staff were arrested, Beylargizi was questioned multiple times. According to relatives, the police conducted a search of her apartment.
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By a presidential decree dated February 5, Mukhtar Babaev has been appointed the presidential representative for climate issues.
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On February 5, President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine. According to the document, the Ministry of Energy has been allocated 1 million US dollars to purchase and send electrical equipment, manufactured in Azerbaijan, to Ukraine.
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The trial of Aziz Orudjev, the head of the online publication Kanal-13, continued on February 5 at the Sabail District Court.
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