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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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“Flood them with fans!” A new support campaign from independent media

Amid the ongoing crackdown on independent media in Azerbaijan, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Azerbaijani media outlets operating in exile Free Voices Collective, Meydan TV, Toplum TV and Qazetci have launched a postcard campaign titled “Flood them with fans” to support imprisoned journalist Sevinc Vagifgizi.

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