Control under the name of “protecting morality”

Konstantin Meydan TV, News

How new restrictions in Azerbaijan are tightening control over society and social networks

In Azerbaijan, “immoral expressions” have been banned on social media, users have begun to face penalties for their content, and unofficial “blacklists” of artists are appearing on television while programs are being shut down. Formally, these measures are presented as protecting public morality. However, taken together, they appear to expand control over information and public discourse—and to affect not only journalists or bloggers, but any social media user.

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Hearings on Azerbaijan held in the European Parliament

Konstantin Meydan TV, News

On 7 May, hearings on Azerbaijan were held in the Subcommittee on Human Rights of the European Parliament.
Journalist Leyla Mustafayeva and lawyer Samed Rahimli spoke at the hearings. The session took place four months after the European Parliament adopted a resolution in December last year concerning peace activist Bahruz Samadov and ethnic researcher Igbal Abilov.

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Detained labor rights activist Aykhan Israfilov reports social isolation and ‘Barracks Dictatorship’ in Baku Prison

Konstantin Meydan TV, News, Re-Post

Aykhan Israfilov, a detained member of the Trade Union Confederation “Workers’ Table,” reports that in recent months he has been subjected to social isolation at Penal Institution No. 10, where he is currently held.

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Europe is also unsafe: Azerbaijani journalists and bloggers are in danger

Konstantin Meydan TV, News

In recent days the issue of the safety of journalists and bloggers living outside Azerbaijan has reemerged as a topic of concern. A number of media representatives and bloggers working in exile say they face pressure and threats because of their political positions and their statements criticizing the Azerbaijani authorities.

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Authorities expand criminal prosecution of Azerbaijani bloggers and journalists abroad

Konstantin Meydan TV, News, Re-Post

Court proceedings continue in Baku on criminal cases opened against several well-known Azerbaijani bloggers and internet channel leaders living abroad. In recent weeks, reports have been consistently published both about trials in absentia at the Baku Serious Crimes Court and calls for foreign-based journalists and activists to appear for questioning by the General Prosecutor’s Office.

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Putin’s Oil and the SOCAR Plant: EU Sanctions Affect Azerbaijan

Konstantin Meydan TV, News

The 18th sanctions package adopted by the European Union in July bans the import of petroleum products produced from Russian crude oil into the EU market, including refining in third countries. These restrictions also apply to the Turkish SOCAR STAR refinery and Azerbaijani tankers.

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