Ali Karimli, one of the leaders of the Azerbaijani opposition, condemned the country's criminal prosecutions of journalists, bloggers, and activists living abroad. He believes that such actions are more of a propaganda effort and aimed at creating an atmosphere of fear within the country.
Karimli sees this as a sign of the high popularity of foreign YouTube channels and social media in Azerbaijan, as well as confirmation of the lack of freedom of speech, which is becoming evident to the international community.
The opposition leader noted the ongoing arrests of independent journalists within the country and warned of a deterioration in Azerbaijan's international image due to the persecution of regime critics. According to Karimli, the popularity of emigre channels is a direct consequence of the suppression of the independent press.
Earlier, in an interview with the German newspaper Die Welt, Karimli stated that Azerbaijan has begun to distance itself from Russia after Moscow's weakening. He asserted that President Ilham Aliyev's policies are aimed at prolonging his rule.
