In a recent and concerning development, doubts have emerged regarding the independence of the Azerbaijan service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Allegations are surfacing that suggest the appointment of individuals closely associated with the Azerbaijan government to key positions within the radio service. This has sparked discussions about the service’s editorial autonomy and its potential impact on the diversity and credibility of news content.
In addition to the appointments, reports have emerged of the dismissal of experienced journalists, some of whom have had long-standing collaborations with RFE/RL’s Azerbaijan service. These reports have prompted questions about the criteria for hiring and firing decisions made within the service.
There have been several indications including RFE/RL’s coverage of Artsakh, where the company frequently refers to the native Armenians in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) as occupiers. Terminology that is commonly found in Baku.
A recent controversy has arisen within the Azerbaijani Service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), shedding light on allegations of propagandistic recruitment and a problematic work environment. This follows the dismissal of journalist Turkhan Karimov from his position as a reporter for RFE/RL’s Azerbaijani branch, Azadliq Radiosu (Free Radio).
Mammadsharif Alakhbarov, a new recruit, has been accused of spreading Azerbaijani regime propaganda. Alakhbarov, with a 15-year history of working for the Azerbaijani regime media, has been associated with content glorifying the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) conflict and praising President Ilham Aliyev. His supportive stance towards the regime has been evident on social media.
Several former journalists have taken to social media to reveal a problematic work environment within the media organization. Azadliq Radiosu’s editor, Ilkin Mammadov, has been singled out for creating a challenging atmosphere. Accusations of favoritism, authoritarian leadership, and financial discrepancies have been directed towards the editorial team. Freelance journalists have reportedly been pressured to rent their equipment, and deductions in pay have been made if they face arrests by the police, a common occurrence for journalists in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan’s press freedom climate has long been criticized, and reports of obstruction through police violence are common. Journalist Ravan Seyfulla recounts threats of salary deduction by editor Ilkin Mammadov when facing police issues. Journalists have expressed dissatisfaction with a lack of payment transparency, leading to decreasing payments over time.
The allegations have triggered a series of similar stories within the Azerbaijani journalist community, including journalist Arzu Geybulla’s account. Geybulla highlights a history of harassment by the editorial team, pointing to a well-known issue.
The Council of Europe and the European Federation of Journalists have responded to the allegations, demanding answers and an independent investigation. RFE/RL denied the allegations, emphasizing its commitment to free and fair journalism.
As the situation unfolds, concerns about propaganda and work conditions persist, urging the need for accountability and transparency within RFE/RL’s Azerbaijani branch.
There have been several indications including RFE/RL’s coverage of Artsakh, where the company frequently refers to the native Armenians in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) as occupiers. Terminology that is commonly found in Baku.
RFE/RL, founded by the US government to provide independent news, operates in 23 countries and 27 languages. It is considered one of the most prominent sources of independent news in otherwise authoritarian countries like Azerbaijan. Azadliq Radiosu, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s subsidiary in Azerbaijan has faced its challenges in Azerbaijan’s deteriorating civil society, including a police raid in 2014 that led to its ban within the country.
Azatutyun, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s subsidiary in Armenia is the largest multimedia outlet in the country. The company is funded in whole or in part by the American government. Recently the US made the decision to invest $17 Million into Armenia’s media landscape.
