Azerbaijan continues to target and persecute journalists and civil society activists and is now also using the coronavirus outbreak as an excuse to take unlawful actions against them, as reported by the Atlantic Council. For instance, authorities shut down the headquarters of the opposition group D18 on March 8, saying it was against COVID guidelines for large groups to gather, even though there were only 4 people present in their large office. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)’s Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, also expressed concern over the Azerbaijani government’s attacks on press freedom. In his statement, he acknowledged the importance of curbing the spread of false information about the virus, but said this “should not impede the work of journalists and their ability to report on the pandemic.”

To read his full statement, click here.