Baku shuts down US-funded radio, accuses it of foreign ties.

The Azerbaijan government abruptly shut down the Azerbaijani service of Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, alleging its collaboration with foreign security services. This move was seen as a crackdown on independent media in the country, where freedom of press was already under scrutiny. Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty had been operating in Azerbaijan since the early 1990s, providing alternative news and information to the public. Known for its critical reporting on government affairs, the outlet was often at odds with the authorities, who accused it of being a tool of Western influence. The closure of Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty's Azerbaijani service was met with widespread condemnation from international human rights organizations and press freedom advocates. Many saw it as part of a broader pattern of silencing dissent and restricting media freedom in the country. The shutdown had a significant impact on the media landscape in Azerbaijan, further limiting the already scarce independent voices. It forced journalists and activists to find new ways to disseminate information and engage with the public, despite facing increased risks of harassment and persecution. The government's accusations against Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty were widely viewed as a pretext to stifle critical reporting and eliminate a source of dissent. The event served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists and media organizations operating in environments where freedom of the press is constrained. #Azerbaijan #PressFreedom #MediaCrackdown #RadioFreeEurope #HumanRights