COP29 Briefing Highlights Alarming Press Conditions in Azerbaijan

Please find a briefing recording via the link

On November 28, a critical briefing titled "Journalists and Media at COP29 in Azerbaijan" was held, co-organized by the Climate Observers Partnership, the International Press Institute (IPI), and the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS). This event brought together notable speakers, including Emin Huseynov (Institute for Human Rights), Karol Łuczka (International Press Institute), Nick Lewis (Committee to Protect Journalists), Azerbaijani activist Vafa Nagi, and lawyer Subhan Hasanli. Moderated by human rights advocate Diana Nazarets, the discussion shed light on pressing issues affecting press freedom in Azerbaijan before and during COP29.

Azerbaijan's repressive tactics, including restrictions and intimidation of journalists covering COP29, raised serious concerns about the transparency of its climate commitments. These actions undermined both press freedom and the credibility of the nation's environmental agenda, with many activists being accused of treason or criminal acts. Vafa Nagi posed a poignant question: “Why is COP29 being held in a country that does not respect human rights? I have been targeted and accused of betraying my country… we don’t know what will happen next.” Lawyer Subhan Hasanli confirmed: “These accusations are political, not legal.”

Independent media faces systematic crackdowns in Azerbaijan. International bodies, including UN Special Rapporteurs and the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, have repeatedly called for the release of detained journalists and raised alarms about the increasingly hazardous environment for free speech. Nick Lewis remarked: “This crackdown really targeted the country’s last remaining significant domestic independent media.”

Also, Azerbaijani journalists face persistent threats, even while in exile. This aligns with findings from Irene Khan’s UN report and the European Media Freedom Act, which highlight the urgent need for enhanced protection against surveillance and intimidation of journalists abroad. Karol Łuczka stated: “The wave of repression over the past year in Azerbaijan cannot be compared to anything we have seen for years in the region.”

Emin Huseynov highlighted that these political repressions are not new but have been incessant, especially given that the country has been under the same regime for over three decades. What is truly alarming is the increasing scale of these actions. Azerbaijan has over 319 political prisoners, with more than 30 individuals being media representatives, including bloggers and think tank contributors. Huseynov explained: “They are outspoken critics who are arrested for expressing themselves and trying to promote critical thinking inside Azerbaijan.” This underscores the regime's profound lack of respect for freedom of speech and democratic norms, which extends across all of civil society.

The panel concluded with a unanimous call for stronger international measures to protect Azerbaijani journalists. It emphasized that media freedom is critical, not only for transparent climate negotiations but also for upholding the fundamental principles of democracy. The IRFS reiterated its call for global solidarity in defending press freedom in Azerbaijan and beyond, as well as for the immediate release of prisoners of conscience.