Rédaction The state of press freedom in Azerbaijan has deteriorated significantly in recent years, with the imprisonment of journalists and the increasing repression of independent media. As the country marks another International Women’s Day with eight women journalists still imprisoned, both international organizations and activists have raised their voices in protest.
[by Ulviyya Karimova, published on 25/04/2025]
The Norwegian Helsinki Committee and other global bodies have called for the immediate release of these journalists, who face unjust detention, often due to their work exposing government corruption and social issues. The situation underscores the broader issue of press freedom in Azerbaijan, which remains one of the most pressing challenges for human rights in the region.
As an Azerbaijani woman journalist now living in exile with my 9-year-old daughter, I know how real and personal these threats are. My child is growing up knowing that journalism in our homeland is a dangerous act. That women, who expose injustice are treated as enemies of the state. That their bravery is not celebrated—it is punished.
The repression of journalists in Azerbaijan
The current political climate in Azerbaijan, under the authoritarian rule of President Ilham Aliyev, has made life for journalists increasingly dangerous. This situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict with Armenia, but it is also the result of systematic government efforts to silence independent media and suppress dissent.
The case of the eight imprisoned female journalists is just one example of a broader trend of targeted repression against journalists, activists, and independent media outlets. Among those imprisoned are journalists working for Abzas Media, Meydan TV and Toplum TV, all of which have faced government crackdowns due to their critical reporting.
These journalists include Sevinj Vaqifqizi, Nargiz Absalamova, Elnara Qasımova, Aynur Elgunesh, Aytaj Tapdiq, Aysel Umudova, Khayala Aghayeva, and the independent journalist Fatima Movlamli. They have been arrested under politically motivated charges and are currently enduring harsh conditions in Azerbaijani prisons, where their health is deteriorating due to inadequate medical care.
The Norwegian Helsinki Committee has sharply criticized the unjust imprisonment of these women, highlighting the dire need for their immediate release. The organization has called these arrests “wrong, shameful, and cowardly,” pointing out that such actions are a violation of basic human rights and freedoms.
Azerbaijani President’s response to Women’s Day protests
In response to the “8 March, 8 Women” campaign, which gained traction both online and through live protests, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made public statements on International Women’s Day that attempted to downplay the political nature of the arrests.
While acknowledging the day as an important celebration of women’s rights, the president emphasized the government’s commitment to gender equality. However, his remarks failed to address the broader issue of the repression faced by women journalists in the country, particularly those imprisoned for their reporting.
Aliyev’s government has routinely dismissed accusations of political repression, often attributing the arrests to criminal activity or national security concerns. Yet, international bodies, such as the Norwegian Helsinki Committee and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), have repeatedly condemned these actions as politically motivated and an affront to freedom of expression.
Women’s Day protests: Global solidarity for press freedom
In conjunction with International Women’s Day on March 8, activists worldwide rallied in solidarity with the imprisoned journalists. The “8 March, 8 Women” campaign, led by feminists and human rights activists, used both digital platforms and live protests to raise awareness about the plight of the imprisoned journalists.
The campaign underscored the importance of women’s rights, particularly in the context of Azerbaijan’s repressive political environment, where women’s voices are often stifled in both the media and broader society.
One of the campaign organizers, Gulnara Mehdiyeva, explained the difficulties faced by the activists in Azerbaijan.
She and her colleagues were forced to leave the country due to political repression. Although they could no longer organize street protests inside Azerbaijan, they worked to promote online campaigns, sharing their experiences and urging others to take action.
Despite these challenges, the 8 March protests were a success, as demonstrators across Europe (Germany, France, Latvia, Belgium, Georgia, Turkiye and other countries) and beyond raised posters calling for the release of the eight imprisoned women journalists.
Mehdiyeva, who was once an organizer of traditional street protests in Azerbaijan, shared the harsh reality of her experience as an exile: “As traditional organizers of these protests, each of us was forced to leave Azerbaijan due to political repression. We had no possibility to continue our activities inside the country. Given the current environment, we could not call for street protests in Azerbaijan. However, we were able to share our experiences and offer guidance for those wishing to act on March 8. The protests in Baku, which were organized by others, show that our calls were heard.”
Gulnara Mehdiyeva also highlighted the significance of the online aspect of the campaign. “Digital activism is of immense importance in the 21st century,” she said, pointing out that even in remote parts of Azerbaijan, people are aware of global events through the internet. “The digital world is a privilege that allows us to continue our activism even when we cannot protest in person,” Mehdiyeva added.
Antony Bellanger’s perspective: Press freedom in Azerbaijan and global advocacy
Antony Bellanger, the General Secretary of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), also weighed in on the situation in Azerbaijan, emphasizing that the country’s treatment of journalists has made it clear that Azerbaijan cannot be considered a democracy.
“When a country puts journalists in prison, it cannot be considered a democracy,” Anthony Bellanger
The repression of journalists in Azerbaijan is a reflection of the political will of one man and his government.
Anthony Bellanger further noted that, despite the Azerbaijani government’s denial, the arrest of journalists has only worsened in recent years. He pointed out that the situation has been compounded by the country’s war with Armenia but also acknowledged that the arrest of journalists is primarily driven by the authoritarian rule of President Aliyev’s regime.
Addressing the international community, Bellanger stressed the importance of continued advocacy for the release of journalists in Azerbaijan. He pointed to the success of the IFJ’s campaigns, which have resulted in the release of journalists in countries like Yemen and Egypt, noting that although such efforts often take time, they can ultimately lead to positive outcomes.
However, he cautioned that this was a long and challenging process, citing the case of Julian Assange as an example of how difficult it can be to secure the release of imprisoned journalists.
The need for legal and institutional reforms
To improve press freedom in Azerbaijan, Bellanger called for the country to adhere to international law and respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948. On paper, he noted, it is not difficult to uphold the rights of journalists and press freedom; the problem lies in the implementation of these laws by the Azerbaijani government. Until there is genuine political will respect these rights, press freedom in Azerbaijan will continue to be severely restricted.
Hope for independent journalism in Azerbaijan
Despite the overwhelming challenges, there is still hope for the revival of independent journalism in Azerbaijan. “We must keep hoping, everywhere and always,” Bellanger said, referencing the upcoming 100th anniversary of the IFJ in 2026, which will be celebrated at their world congress in Paris. He expressed optimism, albeit cautiously, noting that the global community of journalists often experiences unexpected victories, even in difficult times.
The global solidarity shown in the March 8 protests and the continued work of organizations like the Norwegian Helsinki Committee and the International Federation of Journalists offers hope for those who fight for press freedom in Azerbaijan. Though the road ahead is difficult, the resilience and courage of journalists and activists in Azerbaijan and around the world remain a powerful force for change.
Also worth reading : Independent media under pressure in Azerbaijan : The shutdown of Turan and BBC Azerbaijani
