Has Azerbaijan returned to the 30s of the last century?

Concerns over media repression in Azerbaijan are escalating as journalists and representatives from critical media outlets face arrests and accusations of being "spies" and "traitors to the motherland." Recent incidents have seen government representatives and pro-government media targeting individuals, even labeling participants of embassy-organized meetings with U.S.-educated individuals as part of a "spy network."

Jamil Hasanli, Chairman of the National Council and historian, in an interview with Radio Azadlig  likened these tactics to the repressive methods of the 1937 Soviet era, where individuals were subjected to a smear campaign in the press before their arrest. He highlighted parallels with historical figures such as Huseyn Javid, Mikayil Mushfiq, Ahmad Javad, and Abbas Mirza Sharifzade, who faced similar campaigns in the lead-up to their arrests.

Hasanli argued that Azerbaijan has regressed to the methods of the 1937 Soviet era, with citizens being subjected to information attacks and media threats prior to any legal proceedings. Notable figures such as Dr. Gubad Ibadoglu, leaders of AbzasMedia Ulvi Hasanli and Sevinj Vagifgizi, and Public TV have recently been targeted in smear campaigns.

Rufat Safarov, co-founder of human rights organization Defense Line, voiced concerns about Azerbaijan's shift toward dictatorship, stating that the existing system curtails independent opinions and free media. He emphasized that recent arrests are indicative of a return to repressive tactics reminiscent of the 1937 era.

Elman Nasirov, a member of the Milli Majlis Committee on international relations, in an interview with Turan, suggested that the Azerbaijani authorities' actions are responses to perceived threats to national interests. Nasirov argued that the United States, through media organizations and civil institutions, uses various levers to interfere in the internal affairs of countries.

Nasirov referenced recent cases, such as the investigation into "AbzasMedia" where concerns were raised about the organization's source of income and financing from international donor organizations. He argued that such actions against strategic national interests, constitutional systems, and engagement in smuggling are evaluated according to the law.

Despite growing international concerns, Nasirov dismissed claims of a return to the "repressions of the 37th year" and maintained that there is no political persecution. He urged media organizations to recognize the consequences of their actions and adhere to legal norms, emphasizing that illegal activities would be assessed in accordance with the law.