Letter to the editor: Response to article on Azerbaijan

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Dear Editor,

I am writing to you with regard to the article by Mr. Dave Elseroad, “Azerbaijan was heading to a new era, but ended up in a full-scale dictatorship,” published on the New Eastern Europe portal on 12 September 2025. I would like to bring to your attention that, despite the importance of discussing issues of human rights and political freedoms, the presented material raises serious doubts about the objectivity and accuracy of the facts presented.

The article’s main arguments rely on the opinions of anonymous sources and unknown “human rights activists.” This reduces the transparency and verifiability of the information. The lack of specific names and references to reports undermines the credibility of the presented claims, which in turn creates the impression of a subjective assessment rather than an objective analysis. Verifiable sources should be used, or at least the degree of reliability of the data should be indicated.

I would like to emphasize that over 5100 media outlets freely operate in Azerbaijan, reflecting the country’s diverse and dynamic media landscape. The overall number of Internet users exceeds 80% of the Azerbaijani population.  Pursuant to Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan of 12 January 2021 “On deepening reforms in the field of media in the Republic of Azerbaijan” the Media Development Agency was established. The Agency supports the institutional work in this area and stimulates the use of new information and communication technologies. Its general management is exercised by a collegial Supervisory Board which is independent in decision-making.

The claims about the detention of “Abzas Media” staff on fabricated grounds are based on unreliable data and create a distorted perception among respected readers. A criminal case has been initiated against the director of the “Abzas Media” website Ulvi Hasanli, editor-in-chief Sevinj Abbasova (Vagifqizi) and their staff Mahammad Kekalov, Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova according to Article 206.3.2 (smuggling) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The investigative authority’s request to impose pre-trial detention on the afore-mentioned individuals was considered in a separate court hearing, and the measure was duly imposed. During this process, all the rights of the mentioned individuals provided by the legislation, including their access to lawyer are guaranteed accordingly.

With respect to the circumstances of the case, it is known that the “Abzas Media” news portal conducted illegal financial transactions with the involvement of organizations registered abroad.

According to the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan on grant activities and grant agreements, state registration of grant agreements is required in accordance with the relevant procedure. Allocating funds to unregistered projects is a serious violation of the country’s legislation. Furthermore, pursuant to the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Media, it is not allowed to finance the local media by individuals or legal entities, as well as state institutions of foreign countries.

Regarding the claims of the alleged non-compliance by the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan with the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, we would like to emphasize that Azerbaijan recognise that the key role in the protection of human rights across the Council of Europe area and respect its obligations stemming from the European Convention on Human Rights. In the recent years Azerbaijani authorities have been cooperating very closely with the Council of Europe Secretariat and the member states within the Human Rights meetings of the Committee of Ministers to achieve further progress in the execution of the judgments of the European Court.  The annual execution statistics are very telling in this respect. 

Suspension of cooperation with Council of Europe as a result of PACE decision not to ratify the credentials of Azerbaijani delegation has negatively affected the execution process. The fact is that one of the High Contracting Parties to the European Convention on Human Rights has been unlawfully deprived of its right stemming from this Convention to participate at the election of the judges of the European Court. This violation of the Convention should be remedied within the shortest possible period.

In addition to the above, it should be noted that Azerbaijan also joins international documents that set standards in the field of human rights and the rule of law. On 8 March 2023 Azerbaijan signed Protocol 13 to the European Convention on Human Rights, concerning the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances. On 21 March 2023 Azerbaijan signed Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Prevention of Terrorism. On 4 April 2023 Azerbaijan signed the Second Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters. On 31 October 2023 Azerbaijan signed the Council of Europe Convention against Trafficking in Human Organs.

Following the restoration of territorial integrity, the enhancement of security measures constitutes an appropriate and lawful response to threats from external revanchist forces that have still not recognized this process. It should also be noted that certain international circles now use human rights issues as a tool of pressure on Azerbaijan, interpreting security and stability measures as repressive actions. This creates a risk of politicizing the human rights agenda and distorting the perception of the actual situation in the country.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize once again that, while healthy criticism and discussion of human rights and political freedom are important, one-sided articles based on statements from anonymous “human rights defenders” and unverified claims create a distorted picture. For an objective analysis, it is necessary to combine criticism with acknowledgment of the country’s specific achievements and to take into account the post-conflict context, including the risk that human rights issues may be used by politicians as a tool for external pressure. Only a balanced coverage of events allows readers to form an accurate understanding of the situation.

I request your assistance in publishing this letter on New Eastern Europe.

Sincerely,

Rovshan Akhundov, Councelor, Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Poland

Azerbaijan, letter, response