Rédaction For years, Azerbaijani authorities have engaged in systematic repression against independent journalists, bloggers, political figures, and activists. This campaign of silencing dissent has intensified, particularly from 2023 to the present. Today, Azerbaijan holds over 300 political prisoners, including nearly 30 independent journalists, many of whom are suffering from serious health issues.
[par Ulviyya Karimova, publié le 10/03/2025]
The Azerbaijani judiciary, widely regarded as lacking independence, is seen as a tool in President Ilham Aliyev’s hands. One example of this is the case of journalist Shahnaz Baylarqizi, who was initially imprisoned but later placed under house arrest following appeals from human rights defenders. This move, coupled with a letter of gratitude sent to Aliyev and his wife, First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, highlights how political decisions, rather than judicial independence, determines the fate of detainees in Azerbaijan.
Targeting Journalists Before Arrests
In Azerbaijan, arrests of journalists and activists are often preceded by media reports in pro-government outlets that frame them as enemies of the state. The most recent target of such a campaign is Mehman Huseynov, a blogger known for exposing corruption within Aliyev’s administration. A recent article published on the pro-government news platform Qafqazinfo.az—authored by MP Elshad Musayev— essentially framed Huseynov as a traitor.
« I have been working in journalism for 14 years, and during this time, I have faced all kinds of allegations. I have always been under pressure for my work and was even imprisoned because of it. Azerbaijani government officials have leveled all kinds of accusations against me—even labeling my late mother as Armenian. These are all tactics to silence a journalist, a blogger. However, I choose not to engage with these accusations and instead focus on continuing my work. »
Huseynov, who previously served time in prison for his investigative work, believes that these renewed attacks against him signal an imminent crackdown on free media ahead of a major political event. He speculated that this could be related to Aliyev’s attempts to secure the controversial Zangezur corridor through military means or preparations for a dynastic succession, potentially installing his son, Heydar Aliyev, as his successor.
International Pressure and Its Limitations
Despite international calls for press freedom, the Azerbaijani government has continued its repressive tactics largely unchallenged. Huseynov stressed that legal recourse in Azerbaijan was ineffective because the judiciary serves Aliyev’s interests: « In Azerbaijan, one person writes the law, and the same person enforces it—President Ilham Aliyev. Complaining about him to himself is laughable. Yes, I have taken many matters to the European Court of Human Rights, but a small monetary compensation is not justice for me. The only thing Aliyev is capable of doing is slandering people and discrediting them in the eyes of society. »
Huseynov also criticized the weak response from the international community, recalling that the strongest pressure on Aliyev came in 2019, when mass protests and diplomatic efforts forced his release. However, he now believes that global focus on major conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza has given Aliyev more room to suppress dissent without consequences.
Calls for action
Huseynov urged imprisoned activists to escalate their resistance, including launching a mass hunger strike and increasing public protests. He argued that waiting for Aliyev’s « mercy » was futile and that only direct action could force change. « Ilham Aliyev understands that keeping people in prison will not be a problem for him unless they take stronger measures. Society must recognize that those in prison are ready to die for their cause. A movement must begin from within the prisons. Otherwise, people will just wait, hoping that one day Ilham Aliyev will suddenly feel ‘merciful’ and release everyone. I demand freedom for all political prisoners! »
The role of pro-government media
Azerbaijani journalist Ganimat Zahid, currently in exile in France, also commented on the government’s media tactics through the L’œil de la Maison des journalistes. He dismissed the Qafqazinfo.az article as propaganda aimed at discrediting Huseynov.
« The issue here is that Mehman Huseynov is not in Azerbaijan, and the government is well aware that he is in exile. Almost all of his close associates who remained in Azerbaijan are now in prison. Since he went into exile, he has been working even more intensively. That’s why the authorities decided that ‘throwing a couple of grenades at him wouldn’t hurt. » Zahid pointed out that while such articles might seem like warnings before arrests, the Aliyev regime does not need to prepare public opinion for detaining dissidents—it simply does so.
What can the international community do ?
Dr. Aaron Rhodes, former Executive Director of the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights, provided a sobering assessment of Azerbaijan’s deteriorating press freedoms.
« For over 15 years, the government has persecuted, prosecuted, and repressed independent media. Independent journalists have been murdered with impunity. Azerbaijani citizens have virtually no access to other than state media narratives, which severely limits their capacity to exercise their innate freedoms and contribute to enriching the society. »
Dr. Rhodes noted that international legal mechanisms are largely ineffective because Azerbaijan’s government does not respect them. Instead, he suggested that the most effective response would be economic sanctions, though he admitted this was unlikely given Azerbaijan’s status as an oil state.
« Ultimately, solving human rights problems can only be the result of domestic reform. It won’t come from outside, and it is probably better if it does not, other than in the form of models and moral inspiration. »
He also emphasized that the lack of free speech cripples intellectual development and fosters fear and cynicism within Azerbaijani society. The best way forward, in his view, is to support civil society movements and encourage resistance against repression. The continued repression of journalists and activists in Azerbaijan is a stark reminder of the regime’s authoritarian grip on the country.
The recent campaign against Mehman Huseynov and other independent journalists illustrates how the government uses state-controlled media to justify arrests and intimidate dissenters.
While international pressure has proven effective in the past, current global crises have diverted attention away from Azerbaijan, allowing Aliyev to act with near-total impunity. Mehman Huseynov’s call for a mass hunger strike and increased protests signals growing frustration among the country’s political prisoners and activists.
The question remains: will the Azerbaijani people and international community rise to th challenge and push back against this escalating repression, or will President Ilham Aliyev succeed in his efforts to silence all opposition?
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