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Azerbaijan voices strong concerns over the new EU-Armenia Strategic Partnership Agenda, arguing it misrepresents post-conflict realities and harms peace talks. Key disagreements include the labeling of residents as refugees, support for ICJ claims, EUMA's border focus, and the omission of the TRIPP project. Understand the rising diplomatic tension in the South Caucasus.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev met with a high-level UAE delegation, including Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, IHC, and IRH leaders, to boost strategic economic ties. The talks focused heavily on green energy, IT, investment, and building a foundation for major regional deals.

Aliyev-Torobaev meeting analysis: Is the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan based on real investment or political symbolism? We scrutinize the $100M joint fund, Issyk-Kul hotel project, and symbolic gestures to uncover if they deliver measurable economic benefits or are simply for show. Read the full story.

One year into the Meydan TV case, 12 Azerbaijani journalists and activists face severe charges, including money laundering and tax fraud, as the government escalates its crackdown on independent media. They deny the political charges. Press freedom is at risk. Next hearing: Dec 12.

Tazakhan Miralimli, a top official of the AXCP opposition party, has been released after his arrest. The move comes amid the detention of AXCP leader Ali Karimli on serious criminal charges. Read the full story on Miralimli’s release, the persistent political tension, and international concerns about the rule of law in Azerbaijan.