In a direct and critical response to Azerbaijan’s state media narrative, the U.S. Embassy in Baku issued a tweet addressing comments made on the “Hefta” program aired by AzTV. The embassy cited specific terms such as “açıq şantaj” (open blackmail) and “namərdlik” (dishonor), which it characterized as unjustified accusations against the United States. These allegations, the embassy asserted, are diversions from more significant domestic issues facing Azerbaijan.
There’s been a lot of schoolyard bully language directed at imaginary U.S. boogeymen lately. This month’s top hits, courtesy of @aztvresmi’s Hefta program, are “açıq şantaj” and “namərdlik”! Nice try — but it won’t distract attention from the fact that over 300 political…
— U.S. Embassy Baku (@USEmbassyBaku) December 23, 2024
The embassy’s tweet redirected attention to human rights concerns within Azerbaijan, focusing on over 300 political prisoners it claims are unjustly detained on insufficient charges. Highlighting the personal toll of these incarcerations, particularly during the holiday season, the embassy underscored its disapproval of Azerbaijan’s judicial and governance systems. This approach not only amplified the embassy’s advocacy for human rights but also sought to challenge the narrative promoted by Azerbaijan’s state media, which often positions external actors as antagonists.
This exchange highlights the increasingly strained relationship between the two nations, with human rights emerging as a key point of contention. The embassy’s sharp tone and emphasis on domestic issues suggest a strategic move to counter attempts to vilify the United States while maintaining its commitment to spotlighting Azerbaijan’s internal challenges. The public nature of this diplomatic critique reflects the heightened international scrutiny of Azerbaijan’s human rights record and the broader dynamics shaping U.S.-Azerbaijan relations.
