My personal blog, my thoughts.
In a recent interview with Meydan TV, Azerbaijani activist and journalist Mehman Huseynov revealed a disturbing campaign of sexual blackmail allegedly backed by the government, intended to silence his criticisms of the government.
Read more “Threats to Azerbaijani blogger Mehman Huseynov”
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”
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)”
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.”
On December 18, the European Parliament adopted a new resolution concerning the human rights situation in Azerbaijan.
Read more “The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on the human rights situation in Azerbaijan.”
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”
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”
The European Court of Human Rights has issued another ruling against the Government of Azerbaijan.
Read more “European Court rules in favor of Azerbaijani journalist Ramin Deko”
New data published by the Our World in Data platform reflects the complex historical trajectory of the democracy index in Azerbaijan over the past two centuries.
Read more “Democracy index in Azerbaijan: Historical fluctuations and the current situation”
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has expressed concern over death threats made against Farid Ismayilov, a detained employee of Toplum TV.
Read more “Committee to Protect Journalists expresses concern over threats against Farid Ismayilov”