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OBYEKTIV MEDIA


Akif Gurbanov: “The day when liberty will be fully ensured is not far away”
The historical path from the Enlightenment movement (M.F. Akhundov) to the 1918 Republic and 1988 National Revival. Analyzing M.A. Rasulzade's "Revival" ideal, the post-Karabakh agenda for national independence and human liberty in Azerbaijan.
Nov 226 min read


Azer Gasimli Trial: Accuser's Mother Admits Hearsay – These People Witnessed Nothing
Azer Gasimli trial update: Accuser's mother admits she didn't witness threats, citing hearsay. Defense argues lack of direct evidence in the extortion case. Read the full report on the latest court session and key testimony details.
Nov 212 min read


Saleh Rustamov Prevented from Leaving Azerbaijan
Pardoned former official Saleh Rustamov, a Russian citizen, was barred from leaving Azerbaijan after visiting for a funeral. Border services gave no reason. His lawyer challenges the travel ban, raising concerns about the freedom of movement for former political prisoners.
Nov 201 min read


Sevinj Vagifgizi: “No one should face any threat, imprisonment, or death for uncovering the truth”
Sevinj Vagifgizi advocates for boundless journalism, stating that truth is universal and must not be sacrificed to state interests. She demands a world where no journalist faces threats, imprisonment, or death for revealing facts. Telling the truth must become a normal standard.
Nov 202 min read


The New Eurasian Nexus: Azerbaijan's Strategic Integration with Central Asia
Discover how Azerbaijan's full membership in the Central Asian '6' bloc is reshaping Eurasia. Learn about the strategic shift, the impact on the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian Route), and the push for greater regional independence and geo-economic cohesion.
Nov 208 min read


Appeals Court Upholds Arrest of PFPA Activists
Baku Appeals Court affirmed the arrests of PFPA activists Farid Guliyev and Valishan Hasanov. The PFPA claims the arrests are political, tied to their support for Ali Karimli, and criticizes the court for refusing to review surveillance footage during the formal appeal process.
Nov 201 min read


Hafiz Babalı writes from prison: "The stones you throw at me will return like a boomerang and hit both you and your 'secret' patrons."
Investigative journalist Hafiz Babalı, sentenced to 9 years in the "Abzas Media case," defies his unjust imprisonment. Read his powerful public address from prison: "The stones you throw will return like a boomerang." A fierce fight for media freedom and justice.
Nov 192 min read


Azerbaijani Activists' Case: Court Hears Arguments Citing ECtHR Violations
Baku Court hears arguments for activists Anar Mammadli & Anar Abdulla, challenging charges as politically motivated. The defense cites the government's failure to annul an illegal ECtHR-ruled conviction and using the NGO's unregistered status against him. This raises Rule of Law concerns.
Nov 192 min read


Saleh Rustamov Barred from Leaving Azerbaijan
Former Azerbaijani political prisoner and Russian citizen, Saleh Rustamov, was unexpectedly barred from leaving Azerbaijan on Nov 18 at Baku Airport due to an unexplained travel ban. The incident raises questions about the rights of pardoned political figures and freedom of movement.
Nov 191 min read


International Tug-of-War for Suspected GRU Saboteur in Azerbaijan
GRU agent Yaroslav Mikhailov, suspected of coordinating the 2024 cargo bomb attacks in Europe (DHL, DPD), is the subject of an intense extradition struggle in Azerbaijan. Russia's FSB, SVR, and GRU are pressuring Baku for his return, while Western allies seek his custody for terrorism charges.
Nov 192 min read


Claims of Rights Violations Arise Amid Stricter Checks at Baku Pre-Trial Detention Center
Reports expose alleged rights violations and tightened security at Baku Pre-Trial Detention Center (BİT). Following contraband discovery, intense searches and structural changes are reportedly used to pressure political prisoners and infringe on their right to a lawyer.
Nov 192 min read


Religious Activist on Hunger Strike: 'Living in Fear is Scarier Than Prison'
Imprisoned religious activist Nigar Baghirova is on a hunger strike protesting her detention extension. She claims state weakness & demands "Acquittal or Martyrdom." Read her defiant interview: "Living with fear is scarier than prison."
Nov 192 min read


Georgia Announces Dissolution of Anti-Corruption Bureau, Drawing EU Condemnation
Georgia will shut down its Anti-Corruption Bureau by 2026. The EU quickly criticized this move, saying it harms Georgia's chances of joining the Union. The government claims it is saving resources, but many worry it weakens democracy and reduces watchfulness against corruption.
Nov 182 min read


“I Will Continue Writing from Prison”
Journalist Nurlan Libre, arrested in the "Meydan TV case," writes from prison: "I will continue writing." Read his powerful letter on detention, the struggle for a free press, and his unwavering commitment to conveying the truth, despite facing 8-12 years. He regrets nothing.
Nov 184 min read


Supreme Court of Azerbaijan Upholds Bakhtiyar Hajiyev's Sentence
Azerbaijan's Supreme Court upheld the 10-year prison sentence for activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev on Nov 18. Hajiyev, a fierce government critic, was convicted on 8 charges, including illegal entrepreneurship and smuggling, which he rejects as politically motivated. The defense's anonymous evidence argument was dismissed.
Nov 181 min read


Georgian Dream to Abolish Voting for Citizens Residing Abroad, Citing 'External Pressure'
Georgian Dream stops citizens abroad from voting in national and local elections, citing 'external pressure' after the diaspora largely voted opposition in 2024. The new rule requires the nearly 95,000 registered voters to return to Georgia to cast their ballot. Read the full policy change details.
Nov 182 min read


Ganimat Zahid summoned to the Prosecutor General's Office
Exiled Azerbaijani journalist Ganimat Zahid is summoned by the Prosecutor General's Office on charges of "Public calls against the state" (Art. 281.2). A four-month absentee arrest warrant has been issued, escalating concerns over press freedom and political pressure on critics.
Nov 182 min read


An Azerbaijani court rejected a complaint by peace activist Bahruz Samadov about his time in a punishment cell
Jailed academic Bahruz Samadov's complaint against his confinement in a punishment cell was dismissed by an Azerbaijani court on Nov 17. The peace activist, serving a 15-year sentence on state treason charges he denies, remains in isolation. His arrest is widely viewed as politically motivated.
Nov 172 min read


Talysh Activist Detained in Turkey, Moved to Azerbaijan
Talysh activist and Russian citizen Kamal Isayev was detained in Turkey and moved to Azerbaijan by the DTX. Read the report on his disappearance, the citizenship dispute, and the crackdown on Talysh rights advocates.
Nov 172 min read


Azerbaijani Journalist Sevinj Vagifgizi Receives Reporters Without Borders Prize for Courage While in Jail
Jailed Azerbaijani investigative journalist Sevinj Vagifgizi wins the prestigious Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Prize for Courage. The Editor-in-Chief of Abzas Media was honored for her resilience against injustice after receiving a 9-year sentence for anti-corruption reporting.
Nov 172 min read
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