In recent days, there has been a surge in reports in the Azerbaijani media related to events surrounding former Presidential Administration head Ramiz Mehdiyev. Most of these publications are unofficial and based on unofficial data, which creates an atmosphere of information chaos.
Lack of official information
At this point, no state body has confirmed the fact of Mehdiyev's arrest or the charges against him. However, according to posts on social media and some media outlets, the former official is under house arrest on charges of treason and attempting to seize power. However, such serious charges have not yet been officially confirmed, and representatives of the authorities and law enforcement agencies remain silent.
Where do the lists of conspirators come from?
Meanwhile, lists of Mekhtiev's alleged associates, as well as information about his property and that of his supporters and relatives in government positions, are being actively published online. The names of former government officials with whom Mekhtiev planned the coup are also being published. The source of this information is unknown. At the same time, none of the individuals mentioned have been brought to justice, and they themselves prefer not to comment on the accusations.
Analysts on deliberate escalation
According to a number of analysts, the current situation indicates a deliberate escalation of tensions. In the absence of official reports, rumours, false information and contradictory versions are spreading, which further exacerbates tensions and creates fertile ground for manipulation. Some experts believe that there is a settling of personal scores between various influential groups.
The system created by Mekhtiev is now turning against him
It is worth noting that for many years, Ramiz Mekhtiev played a key role in shaping state media policy. He was accused by independent journalists of putting pressure on the press, restricting freedom of speech and creating controlled information propaganda. Now the very system he once built has turned against him. Most of the media outlets he nurtured are now actively participating in the destruction of Mekhtiev himself.
Security
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Ilham Aliyev on Feb. 23 signed into law the ratification of the “United Nations Convention against Cybercrime,” strengthening Azerbaijan’s legal framework for cross-border investigations of digital crimes and the exchange of electronic evidence.
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The meeting of Azerbaijan’s Commission on Combating Corruption held on February 15 was, formally, technical in nature. Proposals to enhance transparency were discussed, along with a draft framework for managing corruption risks and the approval of a work plan for the next period. The commission also reviewed reports on the implementation of recommendations made by international organizations.
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In a case that has come to symbolize the consequences of the long-running conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, an Azerbaijani military court on February 17 sentenced Armenian businessman and political figure Ruben Vardanyan to 20 years in prison on charges including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and financing terrorism.
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The use of personal and intimate information as a weapon in political struggle is not new in Azerbaijan. What is new is the scale, speed and deniability introduced by artificial intelligence, which is rapidly eroding the boundary between fact and fabrication.
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