An Azerbaijani opposition leader criticized the authorities for persecuting journalists and activists

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.

Последние новости
Court upholds sentences for four Crimean Tatars in ‘Hizb ut-Tahrir’ case
Human rights
Court upholds sentences for four Crimean Tatars in ‘Hizb ut-Tahrir’ case
16 October 2026

A Russian military appellate court has rejected the appeals of four Crimean Tatars—Nariman Ametov, Ali Mamutov, Vokhid Mustafayev, and Enver Khalilyayev—who were convicted of involvement with the organization ‘Hizb ut-Tahrir.’ The sentences handed down by the Southern District Military Court on May 21, 2026, remain unchanged. According to the TASS news agency, citing court sources, the individuals—part of what is known as the "third Dzhankoy group"—were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 14 to 15 years.
Six more individuals involved in the case concerning the storming of the presidential residence have been released in Georgia
Human rights
Six more individuals involved in the case concerning the storming of the presidential residence have been released in Georgia
16 October 2026

Six people convicted in connection with the events of October 4, 2025, in Tbilisi have been set free following the conclusion of plea agreements with the prosecutor's office. This was reported on October 16 by the television channel TV Pirveli.
UN Summit Participants in Yerevan Seek Ways to Halt Nature’s Destruction
Ecology
UN Summit Participants in Yerevan Seek Ways to Halt Nature’s Destruction
16 October 2026

On October 16, a Leaders’ Summit on Biodiversity is taking place in Yerevan, organized as part of the preparations for the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17). Participants are discussing how to accelerate the fulfillment of international commitments regarding biodiversity conservation and prompt more decisive action from governments.
In Baku, the wife of a
Human rights
In Baku, the wife of a "Muslim Unity" activist has been arrested for four months following a protest in defense of the hijab
16 October 2026

Shahizyar Huseynova, who took part in a demonstration against restrictions on wearing the hijab in Azerbaijani schools, has been placed in custody for four months. This was reported by her husband, Aga Huseynov, an activist with the "Muslim Unity" movement.