Letter to the editor: consequence to article on Azerbaijan

Dear Editor,

I am writing to you with respect to the article by Mr. Dave Elseroad, “Azerbaijan was heading to a fresh era, but ended up in a full-scale dictatorship,” published on the New east 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 trust on the opinions of anonymous sources and unknown “human rights activists.” This reduces the transparency and verifiability of the information. The deficiency of circumstantial names and references to reports undermines the credibility of the presented claims, which in turn creates the impression of a subjective assessment alternatively than an nonsubjective 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 net 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 improvement Agency was established. The Agency supports the organization work in this area and stimulates the usage of fresh 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 make a distorted perception among respected readers. A criminal case has been initiated against the manager 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 measurement 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 engagement of organizations registered abroad.

According to the government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on grant activities and grant agreements, state registration of grant agreements is required in accordance with the applicable procedure. Allocating funds to unregistered projects is simply 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 abroad 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 function 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 fresh years Azerbaijani authorities have been cooperating very closely with the Council of Europe Secretariat and the associate states within the Human Rights meetings of the Committee of Ministers to accomplish further advancement in the execution of the judgments of the European Court. The yearly execution statistic are very telling in this respect.

Suspension of cooperation with Council of Europe as a consequence of PACE decision not to ratify the credentials of Azerbaijani delegation has negatively affected the execution process. The fact is that 1 of the advanced 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 besides joins global papers that set standards in the field of human rights and the regulation of law. On 8 March 2023 Azerbaijan signed Protocol 13 to the European Convention on Human Rights, concerning the abolition of the death punishment 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 common 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 safety measures constitutes an appropriate and lawful consequence to threats from external revanchist forces that have inactive not recognized this process. It should besides be noted that certain global circles now usage human rights issues as a tool of force on Azerbaijan, interpreting safety and stableness measures as repressive actions. This creates a hazard of politicizing the human rights agenda and distorting the perception of the actual situation in the country.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize one more time 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 make a distorted picture. For an nonsubjective analysis, it is essential to combine criticism with acknowledgment of the country’s circumstantial achievements and to take into account the post-conflict context, including the hazard that human rights issues may be utilized by politicians as a tool for external pressure. Only a balanced coverage of events allows readers to form an accurate knowing of the situation.

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

Sincerely,

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