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Azerbaijan's Repressive Regime and the COP29
Azerbaijan's use of COP29 to improve its image contrasts sharply with its harsh crackdown on journalists and political opponents, highlighting the challenges of balancing geopolitical interests with human rights concerns.
German
Germany
International RelationsGermany Human RightsClimate ChangeEnergy SecurityJournalismAuthoritarianismRepression
Union For The Freedom Of Political Prisoners In Azerbaijan (Sspza)Reporters Without BordersOrganized Crime And Corruption Reporting Project (Occrp)European Court Of Human Rights (Ecthr)
Ilham AliyevHeydar AliyevUlvi HasanliSevinc VagifgiziAfghan Sadigow
- What is the significance of the case of Afghan Sadigow?
- The case of Afghan Sadigow, arrested in Georgia and facing potential extradition to Azerbaijan, highlights the challenges faced by exiled Azerbaijani journalists. Even outside Azerbaijan, they remain vulnerable to persecution by the Azerbaijani regime and its allies.
- What are the main challenges faced by independent journalists in Azerbaijan?
- Independent journalists in Azerbaijan face constant threats, imprisonment, and even extrajudicial killings. The government employs tactics like fabricated charges, surveillance, and even abductions to silence dissent.
- Why is there limited international pressure on Azerbaijan to improve its human rights record?
- Despite international pressure, Western nations often overlook Azerbaijan's human rights abuses due to its role as a crucial gas supplier to Europe. This reluctance to apply significant pressure limits the effectiveness of calls for improved human rights.
- What methods does the Azerbaijani government employ to control the media and suppress dissent?
- The Azerbaijani government utilizes repressive laws and actions, including censorship and the arrest of journalists, to suppress freedom of the press and any criticism of the regime. These actions severely limit the ability of the media to report freely.
- How does Azerbaijan's president, Ilham Aliyev, utilize international events to portray his country?
- Azerbaijan's authoritarian president, Ilham Aliyev, uses international events like the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) to improve his country's image. However, this masks a harsh reality of political repression, including imprisoning hundreds of political prisoners and journalists.