- Statements
Azerbaijani civil society and exiled activists and journalists continue to defend fundamental rights despite operating in an increasingly repressive environment. Yet, they have long faced persistent threats, systematic pressure and acts of intimidation. Such unacceptable practices create a climate of fear within diaspora communities and aim to extend control beyond national borders.
The Chair of the Steering Committee of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF), Lasha Tugushi, expresses deep concern over reports of alleged intimidation targeting Azerbaijani civil society organisations and human rights activists. A notable example is the incident allegedly occurred to Emin Huseynov, a member of the EaP CSF and independent Azerbaijani journalist, perpetrated by unidentified individuals in Geneva, after Mr. Huseynov sought to raise legitimate questions regarding the state of democracy and fundamental freedoms in the country during the Munich Security Conference. If confirmed, such actions would represent a disturbing example of transnational repression aimed at silencing critical voices beyond Azerbaijan’s borders.
Since 2015, Emin Huseynov has lived in exile in Switzerland after spending ten months at the Swiss Embassy in Baku due to fears of politically motivated detention linked to his work as Chair of the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety. His case symbolises the severe constraints placed on independent media and human rights defenders in Azerbaijan.
This latest episode serves as yet another reminder of the Azerbaijani authorities’ continued disregard for freedom of expression, independent journalism and political pluralism. The use of intimidation, surveillance, criminalisation and forced exile to silence critics reflects a broader pattern of repression that has driven many journalists and activists to seek safety abroad.
In full solidarity with Emin Huseynov and with all Azerbaijani civil society activists, both within the country and abroad, the Chair of the Steering Committee of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum:
- Strongly condemns any acts of transnational repression against Azerbaijani human rights defenders and journalists,
- Calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately cease all forms of harassment, intimidation and politically motivated persecution of journalists, activists, and members of the political opposition, regardless of where they reside,
- Calls on the European Union and its Member States to address transnational repression as a matter of urgency in their engagement with Azerbaijan and to ensure that protection mechanisms for exiled human rights defenders are strengthened.
