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OBYEKTIV MEDIA


Azerbaijan's Crackdown on Civil Liberties
Azerbaijan's human rights crisis (Oct 2025 data) is escalating: 392 political figures, including 29 journalists, are jailed as the government cracks down on independent media and activists. Read the full report.
Dec 10, 20252 min read


Court Keeps Ali Karimli Under Arrest
Baku court rejects house arrest for PFPA's Ali Karimli on power seizure charges. The defense will appeal the politically motivated decision. Details on police action against party activists, including Emil Salim's detention, and the broader context of the November 29 arrests.
Dec 10, 20251 min read


Georgia's Ruling Party Faces Legal Criticism for New Protest Rules
Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party introduces drastic new laws tightening protest restrictions, including mandatory 5-day notice & prison time for violators. Civil society condemns the move as criminalizing free expression and eroding fundamental rights.
Dec 10, 20252 min read


EU-Azerbaijan: Trading Away Principles – The EU's Shift from Values to Interests
A new report, "Trading Away Principles," details how the EU's relationship with Azerbaijan is prioritizing energy security and geopolitics over human rights. With over 400 political prisoners and media suppression, the EU's silence is seen as acceptance. The report demands that future deals mandate the release of all political prisoners and real democratic reform.
Dec 10, 20252 min read


RSF 2025 Annual Report: A Global Overview of Attacks on Journalists
The RSF 2025 Annual Report reveals an alarming crisis: 67 journalists were killed and 503 jailed worldwide (Dec 2024-2025). The report highlights Gaza, Mexico, and countries like China and Russia as dangerous zones. RSF calls for urgent international action against press violence and impunity. Read the devastating global overview.
Dec 10, 20253 min read


Rufat Safarov Trial: Defense Alleges Police Involved with Accuser
HR advocate Rufat Safarov faces politically motivated charges in Baku. His defense showed phone records proving the accuser contacted arresting officers beforehand. This crucial evidence suggests police involvement and a targeted effort to silence the critic. Get the full trial details.
Dec 10, 20251 min read


Trial of Exiled Editor Ganimat Zahid Begins in Baku; Human Rights Watch Condemns Azerbaijan's Actions Against Critics
Exiled editor Ganimat Zahid's trial begins in Baku on political charges linked to his journalism. HRW condemns Azerbaijan's repression against critics and demands all politically driven charges be dropped.
Dec 10, 20251 min read


Lawyer Namizad Safarov Detained in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani lawyer and human rights advocate Namizad Safarov was detained on Dec 9th, reportedly by plain-clothed individuals. Pro-government media cites "fraud" allegations. The detention of the prominent activist, known for his civic stance, sparks serious concerns for political figures in Azerbaijan. Read the full details.
Dec 9, 20251 min read


"Ulviyya Ali writes from detention: 'I am also a victim of one man - Ilham Aliyev'
Ulviyya Ali's report from detention exposes how female prisoners in Azerbaijan, charged with fraud/drugs, attribute their plight to abusive male partners and systemic injustice. Her statement: "I am also a victim of one man - Ilham Aliyev." Read the compelling stories of Saida, Nurana, and Toma.
Dec 9, 20253 min read


Calls for International Inquiry Emerge After Claims of Chemical Agent Use in Tbilisi Protests
Demand for an international inquiry rises after BBC reports suggest Georgian police used the toxic, WWI-era chemical agent Camite during 2024 Tbilisi protests. Protesters report severe symptoms. The government denies the claims as "hybrid war" disinformation, while international bodies push for accountability and a fair investigation.
Dec 9, 20253 min read


December 6, 2024 – The last day of freedom…
One year after her arrest in the Meydan TV case, journalist Aysel Umudova writes a powerful letter from a Baku detention center, detailing her illegal detention, panic attack, and psychological abuse. Discover her defiant message of hope and unwavering belief in her work despite facing 7 charges. Read her full story.
Dec 9, 20255 min read


Akif Gurbanov: "It's never too late to learn"
Read Akif Gurbanov’s letter from detention on how media control harms democracy. He stresses the urgent need for critical thinking, urging families and educators to teach children to question, think independently, and be proactive. True change starts with individual habits.
Dec 9, 20254 min read


Azerbaijani Politician Ruslan Izzetli's Health Deteriorates in Prison
Detained Azerbaijani politician Ruslan Izzetli requires urgent gallbladder surgery. His wife warns that his critical health—including high blood pressure and a severe gallbladder condition—risks deadly sepsis if he remains in Baku Investigative Isolator No. 1. Concerns rise over the treatment of political prisoners.
Dec 9, 20252 min read


Toplum TV Trial Affected by Defendant's Health and Defense Request
Alarming update on the Toplum TV trial in Azerbaijan. Co-founder Alasgar Mammadli required medical help in court due to health issues, highlighting the dire situation for the 10 people charged. Defendants, initially accused of smuggling, strongly deny all charges, claiming their arrests are political. Read the defense's arguments and next steps.
Dec 9, 20251 min read


Azerbaijan-Georgia Media Forum Discussion
Discover the conflict at the Azerbaijan-Georgia Media Forum hosted by MEDİA. While aiming for cooperation, the event was dominated by state-affiliated groups. Discussions criticized international media as "hybrid attacks" and promoted rules suggesting increased state censorship, contrasting sharply with ongoing crackdowns on independent press freedom in both countries.
Dec 9, 20252 min read


Azerbaijani journalist Hafiz Babali is in jail and is not getting needed medical care, resulting in declining health
Urgent call: Azerbaijani investigative journalist Hafiz Babali's health is failing in prison due to severe lack of medical care for a serious leg infection. Jailed in the AbzasMedia case, he faces blocked court appeals and restricted visits. Demand medical treatment and respect for legal rights now.
Dec 9, 20252 min read


Appeals Court Upholds Arrest of Mammad Ibrahim
Appeals court in Baku upholds the arrest of Mammad Ibrahim, a leading member of the opposition APFP, on Dec 8. The party condemns the decision, calling the charges politically motivated and demanding the immediate release of Ibrahim, Chairman Ali Karimli, and all political detainees.
Dec 9, 20252 min read


US Congress Considers Sanctions Against Azerbaijani Officials
US Congress is drafting the "Azerbaijan Democracy Act of 2025" to sanction 35 top Azerbaijani officials with asset freezes and visa bans over political repression and corruption. The move challenges the White House's silence following crackdowns like the arrest of Ali Karimli.
Dec 8, 20252 min read


Chechen voices are being silenced, even those abroad
Discover the "Silent Crisis" where Chechens abroad are forced into silence by Kadyrov's group punishment system, endangering their families. This repression conceals the true human rights situation, allowing Russian propaganda to dominate and leading to dangerous deportations of asylum seekers.
Dec 8, 20253 min read


Amnesty International Urges Inquiry into Chemical Use, Calls for Police Equipment Ban in Georgia
Amnesty International calls for an international inquiry into the alleged use of the toxic chemical bromobenzyl cyanide against Georgian protestors in late 2024. Read about the demands for accountability, the ban on police equipment export to Georgia, and the reported retaliation against witnesses and doctors.
Dec 8, 20252 min read
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