Azerbaijan should free those unjustly imprisoned - Human Rights Watch

ArmInfo. "Azerbaijan, a major fossil fuel producer and exporter, is the host of this year's  UN climate conference, COP29. And it has an appalling human rights record," Human Rights Watch reports on its X account.  

"In the months before the conference Azerbaijani authorities arrested  dozens of activists and journalists on baseless and politically  motivated charges. Restrictive laws purposefully make NGOs and media  vulnerable to retaliation for simply doing their work. The recent  wave of persecution and driven many activists and critical voices out  of the country. And this crackdown raises serious concerns about the  possibility of for independent civil society to meaningfully  participate at COP 29. 

"Azerbaijan's president said that the country's fossil fuel reserves  are a "gift from the gods" suggesting that the country is entitled to  expand its production. But burning fossil fuel is a primary driver of  climate change. And for the countries to meet global climate targets  there cannot be new oil, gas or coal projects. 

"Azerbaijan should free those unjustly imprisoned, end the crackdown,  and facilitate full and meaningful participation at COP29," the  message reads.