The RFE/RL Azerbaijani service has come under scrutiny for its frequent highlighting of Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijan’s former foreign minister from 2004-2020, as an authoritative voice in its coverage of foreign affairs and human rights issues.

Mammadyarov’s tenure was plagued by numerous allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and human rights violations against diplomatic staff within the ministry. Critics have raised concerns about the apparent disregard for these serious allegations by RFE/RL when amplifying Mammadyarov’s perspective.

“It’s bewildering that RFE/RL, whose mission is to promote democratic values and hold power to account, continues to provide a prominent platform to Mammadyarov despite the well-documented improprieties during his time as foreign minister,” said a former public servant who wished to remain anonymous.

According to media reports and inner sources, Mammadyarov oversaw an environment of retaliation and adverse treatment towards Foreign Ministry personnel who raised concerns about misconduct or pushed for reforms. This harsh approach towards dissent appears to run counter to RFE/RL’s stated goals of supporting free press and expression.

“Giving a voice toologists should come with scrutiny, not blind deference,” stated a media expert citing stated values of the Western journalism. “RFE/RL owes its audience greater accountability when providing a megaphone to those suspected of significant wrongdoing.”

It remains unclear what editorial criteria or due diligence RFE/RL applies when selecting Mammadyarov as a commentator, or whether his controversial record is probed in those appearances. Requests for comment from RFE/RL’s Azerbaijani service went unanswered at the time of publication.

As the allegations surrounding Mammadyarov continue to cast a pall over his legacy, RFE/RL’s cozy relationship with the former minister raises ontested questions about journalistic integrity and the ability to rigorously examine power.