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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Azerbaijan's Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources (MENR) has reported large-scale efforts to restore forests across the country, planting tens of thousands of saplings to expand forested areas. However, critics claim that the ministry simultaneously facilitates deforestation by leasing land to private companies.
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On Sunday, December 22, changeable cloudy weather is expected in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula. Drizzle is possible during the night and morning in some areas of the peninsula. Moderate southwest winds will prevail. The air temperature will be 5-8°C at night and 9-11°C during the day, according to the National Hydrometeorological Service of the Ministry of Ecology.
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Baku, often called the "Caucasian Dubai," is increasingly known for systematic violations of residents' housing rights. During urban renovations and the construction of elegant new buildings, thousands of families in Azerbaijan’s capital have been unlawfully deprived of their homes. Many, recognizing the futility of resistance, settle for inadequate monetary compensation for their irreplaceable property. A minority, placing faith in the Housing Code, demand fair compensation from construction companies but often lose everything—both their homes and any form of recompense.
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Azerbaijani team prepares to compete in three prestigious international Olympiads The preparation of young programmers representing Azerbaijan in international Olympiads continues successfully. In collaboration with Azercell, the Ministry of Science and Education, and the Institute of Education, the latest “Informatics Camp” was held at the Baku Higher Oil School.
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