Azerbaijan Sentences Exiled Critics to Jail

The Baku Grave Crimes Court recently finished the cases against some Azerbaijani journalists and activists who live outside the country. On January 14, Judge Nigar Imanova said that Sevinc Osmanqizi (Mirzayeva), Abid Gafarov, and Beydulla Manafov would each get eight years in prison. They were not in court for the decision.

Read more “Azerbaijan Sentences Exiled Critics to Jail”

Aliyev talks about science, but 41% of graduates are unemployed (Part 2)

Regarding the financing of higher education institutions in Azerbaijan, they primarily rely on tuition fees. University revenues from scientific research do not constitute a significant share of their overall budget. Moreover, subsidies from the state budget are allocated to cover the expenses of a number of universities. For example, the 2026 budget allocates 100.1 million manats for this purpose, which is 5.3% or 5 million manats more than in 2025.

Read more “Aliyev talks about science, but 41% of graduates are unemployed (Part 2)”

Aliyev talks about science, but 41% of graduates are unemployed.

According to a TolishMedia correspondent in Baku, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in an interview with local media, emphasized the importance of developing science in the country. Moreover, the president’s statements suggest that in the post-oil era, investments in education and science will become the main driving force that can save the country’s economy.

Read more “Aliyev talks about science, but 41% of graduates are unemployed.”

Authorities expand criminal prosecution of Azerbaijani bloggers and journalists abroad

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.

Read more “Authorities expand criminal prosecution of Azerbaijani bloggers and journalists abroad”

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

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.

Read more “Putin’s Oil and the SOCAR Plant: EU Sanctions Affect Azerbaijan”