Human rights defender Ahmad Shahidov released a video message today from in front of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) building in Strasbourg, France. In his address, Shahidov focused on the defense of Azerbaijan’s national interests abroad and within international organizations, expressing concern about the current situation.
Ahmad Shahidov stated that since the 2020 Patriotic War, the Azerbaijani diaspora, civil society representatives, NGOs, and media professionals have become noticeably passive on international platforms. According to him, a sense of complacency emerged after the liberation of the territories, while in reality Azerbaijan is facing new political and informational challenges, with new “fronts” being opened against the country.
He emphasized that Western circles, separatist Armenian groups, and a number of Azerbaijani emigrants holding anti-national positions continue to target Azerbaijan internationally. Shahidov noted that during the five-day PACE Winter Session, there was not a single Azerbaijani civil society activist or journalist present in Strasbourg, while provocations by the opposing side were clearly ongoing. He concluded by stressing that commitment to the state is not formal but a moral responsibility, and called for greater engagement on international platforms.
