Escalating Concerns Over Media Freedom in Azerbaijan Amidst New Laws and Arrests

Mehman Aliyev

BAKU, Azerbaijan – International observers and local media figures are voicing increasing alarm over the state of media freedom in Azerbaijan, following a series of journalist arrests and the implementation of stricter media legislation. These developments come as the nation marks the 150th anniversary of its national press, a milestone overshadowed by a perceived crackdown on independent journalism.

On July 16, British Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Fergus Auld, hosted a reception commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Azerbaijani national press. During his address, Ambassador Auld expressed "deep concern" over recent events impacting media freedom. He specifically cited the arrests of journalists from prominent independent outlets such as AbzasMedia, ToplumTV, and MeydanTV, as well as the "disappointing blow" of the closure of the BBC Azerbaijani office, which served a million-strong audience. The Ambassador also highlighted the cessation of operations by the Turan Information Agency this year, labeling it "another blow to press freedom."

These concerns are amplified by recent amendments to Azerbaijan's "Law on Media," adopted by the Milli Majlis on July 14. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) issued a strong statement on July 16, asserting that these changes further tighten a law already making independent media activity nearly impossible. RSF condemned the decision as a "legislative masquerade serving the Ilham Aliyev regime," designed to "stifle the activities of independent media and destroy new initiatives for disseminating reliable information."

The new amendments impose stringent requirements on news agencies, mandating contracts with at least 20 media outlets and accredited journalists in five foreign countries. Furthermore, foreign media branches must be registered in the Media Register within seven working days of state registration, with non-compliance leading to suspension of activities and website restrictions.

Mehman Aliyev, director of the now-suspended Turan Information Agency, commented on the stricter requirements, stating to Meydan TV that the "main goal is to prevent the emergence of any new independent information agency in the Azerbaijani space." He elaborated that the requirement for contracts with 20 media outlets is effectively a barrier, as most media are state-controlled and unlikely to sign agreements without official permission. Aliyev believes the new decision reflects a broader governmental intent to "reduce the number of media outlets" in the country, with a primary focus on stifling new independent voices.

Azerbaijani officials, however, consistently reject claims of pressure on media freedom. They maintain that journalists are arrested not for their professional activities but within the framework of legal investigations related to legislation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously urged against politicizing the closure of BBC Azerbaijani, noting similar decisions for other media organizations. Pro-government media had reported that BBC Azerbaijani and Russia's Sputnik-Azerbaijan were required to reduce their staff to a single person.

Since November 2023, over 30 journalists and public activists have been arrested in Azerbaijan, primarily on smuggling charges, which they deny, asserting their arrests are politically motivated. Local human rights organizations estimate approximately 370 political prisoners are currently held in Azerbaijani jails. Officials reiterate that no one is imprisoned for political reasons due to their professional work, and those named in such lists are held accountable for their actions.

The current situation marks a critical juncture for media freedom in Azerbaijan, with international bodies and local journalists continuing to call for greater protections and an end to what they describe as a systematic suppression of independent voices.