In Baku, the police raided ToplumTV.
The detention of journalists and the sealing of media offices without concrete evidence or legal basis have sparked widespread condemnation. MP Agil Abbas, in an interview with Turan, emphasized the importance of due process and cautioned against arbitrary closures of media outlets, urging for a fair investigation before any decisive action is taken.
Rufat Safarov, co-founder of the human rights organization Line of Defense, expressed concern about attacks on public television in a commentary for Radio Azadlig, emphasizing its crucial role in providing a platform for the expression of opposition opinions. He views the current criminal case as a thinly veiled attempt to silence critical media and suppress civil society initiatives such as the III Republican Platform.
The recent crackdown comes amidst a backdrop of escalating pressure on independent media in Azerbaijan. Since late 2023, at least 10 journalists, including prominent figures from "AbzasMedia," have been detained and arrested under charges of smuggling. However, many within the journalistic community view these arrests as politically motivated attempts to intimidate and silence dissenting voices.
The use of vague legal charges, such as smuggling, to target journalists reflects a concerning trend of weaponizing the legal system to suppress freedom of expression. The severity of potential sentences under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code underscores the risks faced by journalists who dare to challenge the status quo.
The targeting of journalists and media outlets represents a grave threat to democracy and human rights in Azerbaijan. The government's crackdown on independent media not only undermines the principles of free speech but also erodes public trust in democratic institutions. It is imperative for the international community to closely monitor the situation and exert pressure on Azerbaijani authorities to uphold press freedom and respect the rights of journalists.
In conclusion, the recent spate of arrests and searches targeting journalists and media outlets in Azerbaijan raises serious concerns about the state of press freedom and democracy in the country. The arbitrary use of legal charges to silence dissenting voices highlights the urgent need for reform and international scrutiny to safeguard fundamental rights and freedoms.
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The innovation and speed leader Bakcell organized a panel discussion on the topic “Sustainability Through Artificial Intelligence.” The event featured speakers including Bakcell’s Marketing Director Elkhan Sadiqzade, PwC Azerbaijan’s Head of Advisory Services Farid Qattal, and the Head of Innovation at the Innovation and Digital Development Agency Evgeniya Bikmurzina. The panel was moderated by Aysel Suleymanova, Bakcell’s Director of Corporate Communications and Public Relations.
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On Saturday, the weather in Baku will be variable, with possible drizzle by the evening. There will be fog in some areas in the morning and evening. A moderate northwest wind will change to the southeast by evening. The temperature at night will range from +9 to +12°C, and during the day it will be between +13 and +18°C. Humidity will be 75–85%.
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A Lufthansa airliner flying from Mumbai to Munich made an emergency landing at Heydar Aliyev International Airport early Wednesday after a passenger suffered a sudden medical emergency, airport officials said.
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Save 75% on the “SuperSən 10GB” tariff plan with the purchase of HONOR devices The leading mobile operator of the country “Azercell Telecom” LLC is excited to announce its “Grand Friday” campaign, offering an exclusive 75% discount on the “SuperSən 10GB” tariff plan for two months. This special promotion is available to customers purchasing HONOR smartphones or tablets.
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