EU Explains Engagement with Controversial Azeri Official, Citing Protocol and Agreements
Prior allegations of corruption and misconduct against Hikmet Hajiyev, the influential Foreign Policy Advisor to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, had surfaced in several foreign and some Azerbaijani media outlets. However, explosive new revelations from the Azad Soz YouTube channel operated by Azeri blogger Tural Sadigly significantly raised the stakes
Azeri Media Assaults Blogger Over Exposé on Presidential Aide Wife’s SOCAR Feud
The coordinated media campaign has boldly declared that thanks to “reforms and transparency” in Azerbaijan’s media sector, outlets previously manipulated by certain officials have been “neutralized.” This statement, widely seen as a veiled reference to Hajiyev’s efforts to silence domestic critics, suggests that these officials are now resorting to overseas-based bloggers and websites to air their grievances.
Journalist Assaulted, Economist Detained Amid COP 29 Controversy in Azerbaijan
These incidents coincide with Azerbaijan hosting COP 29, a major global climate and environment event. Critics argue that some Azerbaijani officials are using the occasion to promote their own image and interests rather than addressing climate problems. Azerbaijan, an oil-based economy, is not known for prioritizing environmental issues.
Nepotism Allegations Rock Azerbaijan’s State Oil Firm Amid Power Struggle
Azad Soz reports that Huseynova, appointed shortly after her husband’s promotion, has publicly declared she will not accept any reproach from Najaf, seemingly leveraging her husband’s influential position. Huseynova’s career path closely follows her husband’s trajectory. Prior to joining SOCAR, she served in the Press Department of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, where her husband was the spokesperson.