⚡️Mikroskop Media relaunches its English section. We will provide weekly briefings on key developments in #Azerbaijan. ❗️Our updates will cover authoritarianism, tensions between #Iran and Azerbaijan, and political prisoners. 📩Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed. ▶️ mikroskopmedia.beehiiv.com

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As a device, a microscope shows particles that are invisible to the naked eye. As a media, the Mikroskop explores, reveals and explains the unseen aspects of what is happening.

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I wrote an explainer on #Azerbaijan for @correctiv.org, which has already been published in both English and German. While working on it, I was reminded of a question I was asked during the Exile Talks panel in Dortmund, where I spoke about the situation in Azerbaijan ⬇️ correctiv.org/en/europe/20...

Azerbaijan: The Price of Victory and the Silence of Dissent

Introduction: The Uncomfortable Question What do you think of when you hear the word Azerbaijan? For many in Europe, the image is all high-speed glamour: the thrilling turns of the Formula 1 Baku Gran...

correctiv.org

#Meydan TV Journalists’ Trial Begins in #Azerbaijan A Year After Arrests Jeanne Cavelier, head of the Eastern Europe and CA desk at @rsf.org, told @occrp.org that the charges were "blatantly fabricated," describing the proceedings as "judicial harassment. www.occrp.org/en/news/tria...

Trial of Meydan TV Journalists Begins in Azerbaijan A Year After Arrests

Press watchdog Reporters Without Borders slammed the financial crimes charges as “blatantly fabricated” and demanded the journalists’ “immediate release.”

occrp.org

At the first #Berlin Freedom Conference today, I had the privilege of meeting Vladimir and Evgenia Kara-Murza. We spoke about our countries and the challenge of working for your homeland from abroad. Mr. Kara-Murza said: “We are on the right side of history — we will win.”

After finally completing a long and exhausting UK visa process, last week I attended the London Trust Conference, organized by the Thomson Reuters Foundation. It was a great opportunity to meet inspiring people, reconnect with fellows and colleagues, and explore the beauty of London.

1/2 Ramiz Mehdiyev, who was one of the most powerful officials in #Azerbaijan until 2019, was placed under house arrest yesterday on charges of #treason and attempting to overthrow the state by force. www.occrp.org/en/news/azer...

Azerbaijan’s Former Presidential Chief of Staff Placed Under House Arrest

House arrest ordered for former Azerbaijani presidential chief of staff on treason, attempted coup, and money laundering charges.

occrp.org

Personally, I have been supporting peace between #Azerbaijan and #Armenia for quite a long time — even in the middle of the 2020 war. Even though we, the supporters of peace, have faced various forms of pressure - including insults, humiliation, and even physical persecution -

Made it to #Gummersbach (despite DB delays) for the event Independent Journalism in Times of Crisis by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. Spoke with @yavuzbaydar.bsky.social & Hazrat Bahar on the challenges facing exile media today.

Here is our latest explainer video. While President Ilham Aliyev’s former son-in-law plans to launch a casino at his Sea Breeze resort—despite gambling being officially banned under local law—pro-government media outlets have already begun promoting the supposed “benefits” of the casino business.

Televiziyalar Emin Ağalarovun kazino biznesinə necə zəmin hazırlayır? İzah edirik!

YouTube video by Mikroskop Media

youtube.com

#Talysh researcher Igbal Abilov sentenced to 18 years in prison on charges of treason. Abilov is the editor-in-chief of the "Talysh National Academy News" online magazine, which publishes researchs related to the Talysh people. He denies accusations #Azerbaijan #crackdown credits:Ulviyya Ali

Took this selfie yesterday — a day full of panels and discussions. Day two has just started, and I’m hoping to find some time to explore the city today :) #CDS2025 #DefendDemocracy

Boris Johnson also joined the Summit — at least online :) Now we listen to his live interview with Gordon Repinski on managing the new world order. #CDS2025 #DefendDemocracy

The first question to the Netherlands' former Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren: "Do you think that NATO is dead?" #CDS2025 #DefendDemocracy

The Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenković answers to questions of Gordon Repinski on Europe's defence of Ukraine #CDS2025

Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, shares updates on peace talks at the #Copenhagen Democracy Summit. He responds to questions from Anders Fogh Rasmussen. “If Putin refuses to come to Turkey, it will be the final signal that Russia is not ready for negotiations.” #CDS2025

Another city I’m visiting for the first time this year — and it’s also a work trip! :) Just arrived in Copenhagen to attend the Copenhagen Democracy Summit.

Ulviyya Ali says: "They have put handcuffs on the media." credit: Fargana Novruzova

I don’t remember the number of news stories covering the detention of journalists and activists from Azerbaijan that I have reported for @occrp.org over the past 1.5 years. Since Nov. 2023, we have been experiencing a never-ending crackdown. Now, Ulviyya Ali has also become a journalist behind bars

Azerbaijan Widens Media Crackdown with Two Arrests

In the latest wave of crackdown on independent media, Azerbaijani authorities target reporters linked to foreign-funded outlets and civil society.

occrp.org

The President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, has arrived in Baku and was officially welcomed. A closed meeting is now being held between Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev and Pezeshkian. #Iran #Azerbaijan #SouthCausasus

At Exile Talks by @correctiv.org — listening to @thousandfriend.bsky.social, @candundar.bsky.social and Sergey Lukashevsky talk about how the authoritarian playbook plays out in Russia, Turkey & the US. Chilling parallels, but also powerful reminders of resistance. #ExileTalks #PressFreedom

Attending an interesting panel on "Philanthropic support for journalism that aligns with foundation program and priority areas" here at the Hotel Brufani! #journalism #philanthropy #Perugia #ijf25

Besides the festival, we also enjoy the amazing Italian homemade wine :) #Perugia #Italy #ijf25

For the first time, I am attending the Perugia International Journalism Festival. It is nice and exciting to be in Perugia. I am looking forward to hearing more from colleagues around the world. #Perugia #ijf25