Fact Check: Amnesty International condemns Azerbaijan's judicial system as weaponized against journalists.

Fact Check: Amnesty International Condemns Azerbaijan's Judicial System as Weaponized Against Journalists

What We Know

Amnesty International has publicly criticized the Azerbaijani judicial system in the context of recent convictions of journalists. On June 20, 2025, a court in Azerbaijan sentenced seven journalists, including those from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Abzas Media, to prison terms ranging from 7.5 to 9 years. These sentences were widely condemned as politically motivated and a part of a broader crackdown on independent journalism in the country (AP News).

Amnesty International specifically stated that the case against Abzas Media exemplifies how Azerbaijan's judicial system is being "weaponized to muzzle independent journalism." They highlighted that the charges against these journalists were fabricated and aimed at silencing those who expose corruption (Amnesty International). This sentiment was echoed by other organizations, such as Reporters Without Borders, which described the trial as politically motivated and based on fabricated charges (AP News).

Analysis

The claim that Amnesty International has condemned Azerbaijan's judicial system as weaponized against journalists is supported by their official statements following the sentencing of the seven journalists. Marie Struthers, Amnesty's regional director, emphasized that the Azerbaijani authorities are sending a "chilling message" to anyone who challenges them through journalism (Amnesty International).

The reliability of Amnesty International as a source is generally high, given its long-standing history of advocating for human rights since its founding in 1961. The organization is known for its rigorous research and impartial stance, as it does not accept funding from governments or corporations, which helps maintain its credibility (Wikipedia). However, some critics argue that Amnesty can exhibit bias, particularly in its focus on certain geopolitical issues (Wikipedia). Despite this, the specific condemnation of Azerbaijan's actions aligns with their mission to protect freedom of expression and human rights globally.

The context of the journalists' convictions further supports the claim. The charges against them were not only severe but also widely regarded as a tactic to suppress dissent and independent reporting in Azerbaijan, a country with a troubling record on press freedom (AP News, OCCRP).

Conclusion

The claim that Amnesty International condemns Azerbaijan's judicial system as weaponized against journalists is True. The evidence from multiple sources, including Amnesty's own statements, confirms that the organization has explicitly characterized the judicial actions taken against journalists in Azerbaijan as politically motivated and aimed at suppressing independent journalism.

Fact Check: Amnesty International condemns Azerbaijan's judicial system as weaponized against journalists.