Independent Journalism Under Siege: The Struggle for Media Freedom and Education in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus

Independent media representatives and journalists in Azerbaijan are currently facing severe accusations of being "foreign agents". The authorities and state-controlled media actively criminalise foreign funding, launching attacks and attempting to incite public anger against independent journalists. These journalists, who focus on investigating social problems and political shortcomings in Azerbaijan, are slandered without any evidence to support the "foreign agent" definition. This raises crucial questions about how media should be financed, how Azerbaijani media outlets are currently funded, and the pressures that have forced independent media to rely on foreign funding.

The Crackdown on Independent Media in Azerbaijan

Since 2023, Azerbaijan has seen a drastic suppression of independent media. Numerous independent outlets have been shut down, and approximately 30 journalists have been arrested, making daily arrests a common occurrence. The situation became so predictable that some journalists began writing "final letters from freedom" before their inevitable detention. The operations of international media organisations such as BBC, Reuters, and Voice of America have been either restricted or completely halted. Many journalists, fearing arrest, have chosen exile, while others face unemployment or are forced to abandon journalism for new fields. Consequently, independent media in Azerbaijan has been swiftly dismantled. Azerbaijan has steadily declined in the global press freedom index, now being categorised among "non-free countries" alongside Sudan, Afghanistan, and Myanmar. In this environment, it is incredibly challenging for journalists committed to impartiality, objectivity, and journalistic principles to continue their work. According to journalist Aytən Fərhadova, the rules for independent, free-thinking journalism have ceased to exist in Azerbaijan since 2023, and this situation is expected to persist.

GIPA: A Beacon for Independent Journalism in the Caucasus

Amidst this challenging landscape, the Georgia Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA) has played a significant role in fostering independent journalism in the region. For over 20 years, GIPA's Master's programme in Journalism and Media Management, established in 2001, has been a vital platform. Funded by the US State Department, it brings together journalists from Armenia and Azerbaijan, two conflict-affected countries, to promote peace and democratic values in the Caucasus. Each year, five journalists from Azerbaijan and Armenia receive two-year scholarships from their respective country's embassies to pursue master's degrees in journalism.

GIPA's mission is to inform active members of society about political, economic, and social issues and to create a platform for open discussions on current affairs in Azerbaijani society. Alumni widely regard GIPA as one of the most successful American projects in the Caucasus. Graduates praise the high quality of teaching and the unparalleled opportunities it provides. Cavid Ramazanov, an alumnus, noted that GIPA enabled him to participate in a traineeship in Kyiv and a professional exchange program in the US. Another alumna, Ülviyyə Şahin, highlighted that GIPA allowed her to study Global Journalism in Norway, a leading country in media, and learn the intricacies of journalism from excellent teachers.

GIPA is described as "a door to the world" for Azerbaijani journalists. It offers not only scholarships but also opportunities to study in European countries through the Erasmus+ programme and to participate in training in the US and Europe. Renowned international media experts frequently conduct classes and seminars at GIPA. According to current student Cavid Əhmədov, GIPA is ideal for both beginners and professionals seeking to enhance their skills. The scholarship provided by GIPA is significant, covering tuition and living expenses, which are often a heavy burden for Azerbaijani youth seeking education abroad.

The Impact of "Foreign Agent" Laws on GIPA's Future

The programme's future has recently faced uncertainty due to temporary funding suspension under former US President Donald Trump's administration, although scholarships for Azerbaijani students were later restored. More significantly, the "Foreign Agents Registration Law" (FARA), which came into force in Georgia in May, has created a new challenge. This law allows NGOs, media, scientific, and religious organisations receiving foreign funding to be declared "foreign agents". International organisations have condemned this law as repressive, demanding its repeal and stating that it harms Georgia's democratic values.

GIPA's leadership has expressed concerns about carrying the "foreign agent" label and wants to prevent its students from facing similar risks. Consequently, they are exploring alternative funding sources like the Erasmus and Horizon programmes, which comply with Georgian legislation and are considered less risky. The new plan involves a consortium of at least two European universities, two Georgian universities, and two regional universities (e.g., from Armenia). This collaborative programme would allow students accepted into GIPA to complete parts of their education in countries like Belgium, Greece, or Portugal, ultimately earning diplomas from all participating universities. The goal is to have this new programme fully prepared within approximately two years.

The Future of Journalism and GIPA's Enduring Legacy

Despite the difficult situation for independent media in Azerbaijan, GIPA's leadership remains cautiously optimistic. While acknowledging that Azerbaijani graduates often struggle to find work in their home country due to the near absence of free media, they believe that these individuals carry professional principles within them. Even if some work for government-affiliated media, their GIPA training enables them to produce less biased and higher-quality work, making a difference.

GIPA's Multimedia Journalism and Media Management Master's Programme has produced approximately 500 graduates, with 100-120 being Azerbaijani and a similar number Armenian. Many Azerbaijani and Armenian alumni continue to collaborate, undertaking joint projects and even establishing shared media platforms. GIPA has also conducted various training programmes and seminars for youth from different regions of Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, with students and alumni playing a key role in mentoring these young individuals. GIPA's dean, Nino Maxviladze, remains hopeful that the programme will continue and that they will persist in their efforts to promote peace and democracy in the Caucasus.