Sex and blackmail in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani journalists claim that government intimidation limits free speech.

With a ranking of 162 (out of 179) on the latest Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, Azerbaijan democracy, especially freedom of the press, has been under greater scrutiny in recent months.

Azerbaijani journalists and activists paint a grim picture of its government - one that includes corruption, intimidation and fear. But some politicians in Europe tell a different story - one of a young country working toward democracy.

We examine the challenges facing Azerbaijan and why journalists feel they are under attack. In this episode of The Stream, we speak with award-winning journalist Khadija Ismayilova (@Khadija0576); Murad Gassanly, Director of the Azerbaijan Democratic Association UK; and Nargiz Gurbanova, Deputy Chief of Mission of Azerbaijan’s Embassy in the US.

What do you think? Why do Azerbaijani reporters say they face blackmail and beatings? Why don’t we hear more about this side of Azerbaijan? Send us your thoughts and comments on Facebook or Twitter using hashtag #AJStream.

View the story "Sex and Blackmail in Azerbaijan" on StorifySex and Blackmail in AzerbaijanAzerbaijani journalists claim government intimidates to limit free speech.Storified by The Stream · Mon, Jul 02 2012 10:12:25New questions are being raised about freedom of the press in Azerbaijan. Few independent media sources exist, and many are run by members of President Ilham Aliyev's family. Still, the government feels that some independent media outlets, in addition to cross border influence from Iran, have been ruining the country's reputation with anti-government propaganda. In May, Presidential spokesperson Ali Hasanov called for "public hatred" against independent media.Azerbaijani Official Calls For "Public Hatred" Against Government Criticsdrbaku1On May 3, Azerbaijani journalist Khadija Ismayilova was awarded a "Courage in Journalism Award" by the International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF).

Ismayilova has been the target of a smear campaign since March, when she received a package with pictures of her in a compromising position. The package also contained a threat to "defame" her if she did not "behave." She responded to the blackmail with a defiant facebook post.

A week later, a video of Ismaylilova engaged in sexual activities with her boyfriend surfaced on the internet. Ismayilova claims the government planted the hidden camera in her bedroom. The government has denied the claims.
Khadija Ismayilova response to Azerbaijani government's blackmailbirolaqIsmayilova believes she has been targeted because of her investigative journalism, which points to corruption within the President's family. The piece below reveals that residents of the village Chovdar were unaware that the President's family has a major stake in a mining company that has displaced them. Villagers Ask Aliyev To Help Fight Mine Controlled By AliyevsrferlonlineIsmayilova has received widespread international support for her work. Howard Berman, a member of the United States House of Representatives wrote a letter to President Aliyev in May, expressing his concerns with the situation. democrats.foreignaffairs.house.govAJstreamAs Berman's letter notes, Ismayilova is not the only journalist to have been intimidated by the government. The Human Rights Watch video below points to other examples. The video also discusses the controversial decision of theEuropean Broadcasting Union (EBU) to allow Azerbaijan to host the popular Eurovision song contest in May. Many hoped the EBU would use the event to speak out against the government. Azerbaijan and Eurovision: Behind the PropagandahumanrightswatchInstead, Azerbaijan was able to project a positive view, as seen in these Eurovision promotion videos.Eurovision-2012 in Baku "Light your fire" slogan promo video HDeurovision2012inbakuEurovision 2012: Welcome to the Baku, Azerbaijan (Promo)caspatriotBaku, the country's capital, also hopes to host the 2020 Olympic Games.Baku 2020 Olympic Games PromohdofficialsThe crackdown on journalists has led to social media activism, even though statistics show that a minority of Azeris use the internet. katypierce.netAJstreamSocial media users, however, have not been spared. In 2009, after reports that the government had imported two German donkeys for $41,000, Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade created a satirical video, dressing up in a Donkey suit and holding a press conference. The two were soon jailed on charges of hooliganism. Eşşekle (Esel Heinz) müsahibe - QHT qanunu haqqında şok açıqlamalarolmediaHajizade's father expressed his thoughts on his son's case, and freedom of press in general in the video below.Political prisoners in Azerbaijan- Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade - Radio Netherlands Worldwideundomix

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Sex and blackmail in Azerbaijan

Sex and blackmail in Azerbaijan

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