Azerbaijan accused of ramping up repression of critics ahead of hosting UN climate summit

Associated Press

As representatives from nearly 200 countries, along with hundreds of journalists, arrived in Azerbaijan in November for the U.N. climate conference known this year as COP29, they bring with them a level of scrutiny the hosts aren’t accustomed to — and don’t often tolerate. Human rights groups say the government has regularly targeted journalists, activists and independent politicians as it stifles dissent. Authorities there are accused of spearheading a fresh crackdown on freedom of speech ahead of the climate summit, including phony charges against at least 11 journalists from Azerbaijan’s remaining independent news outlets. Government officials didn’t respond to requests from The Associated Press for an interview or comment.