“Additional restrictions are applied to media organizations and journalists in Azerbaijan”
The annual report on “liberties in the world” was published by the “Freedom House” international human rights organization on March 9.
According to the report, Moscow’s war of aggression, which has been going on for more than a year, has created serious problems in the field of human rights in Ukraine. The war is remembered in this country for its destruction and brutality:
Of the former Soviet countries, only three Baltic countries – Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia – are considered “free”. These countries are members of the European Union and NATO.
Azerbaijan shares the same ranks with China, Myanmar, and Yemen with 9 points.
Georgia was considered partially free with 58 points and Armenia with 54 points.
“The lack of democratic governance has created instability in the region, with autocrats resorting to military force against their neighbors as well as to quell internal dissent,” the report emphasizes.
Turkmenistan is considered the third worst country in the world for freedom, and Tajikistan is the seventh.
At the same time, “Freedom House” welcomed the “refusal of Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territory” and compliance with international sanctions against Russian banks by the countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia.
Last year, 16 of the 57 countries considered unfree in the world reached the lowest level this year as a place where political rights and civil liberties are stifled.
The report notes that the CSTO reacted to the crisis in Kazakhstan at the beginning of last year, and did not provide assistance to Armenia “against the background of repeated attacks on its sovereign territory by neighboring Azerbaijan.” Armenia is considered the only “partially free” country of the Russian-led bloc.
“Media organizations are forced to register”
The Freedom House report also notes that additional restrictions are imposed on media outlets and journalists in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. With the newly adopted legislation, journalists and media organizations are now forced to register with public authorities.
The new media law in Azerbaijan was approved in early 2022. Independent journalists believe that the law restricts their activities, while government officials say that it is intended to help them.
The adoption of the law has caused unabated protests in the country for more than a year.
“Azerbaijan poses a threat to the democratic government in Armenia”
The report mentions Armenia and Turkey as the countries whose democratic trajectory is at the center of attention.
“Azerbaijani forces attacked and captured the territory of Armenia along the border, which poses a threat to the democratic government in Yerevan, increasing the risk of a full-scale war,” the report states.
The Azerbaijani authorities have repeatedly stated that they are ready to sign a peace agreement and that Armenia is delaying this process.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the Azerbaijani side does not aim for peace.
Regarding Turkey, it is noted that the government manipulated election laws and imposed severe fines for “disinformation”.
This hindered the activities of the opposition before the elections scheduled for 2023.
