Azerbaijan has been ranked 144th out of 161 countries in the 2025 Global Expression Report, placing the country in the “In Crisis” category for freedom of expression.
The annual index, developed by international experts, evaluates freedom of expression in countries worldwide using 25 indicators. These metrics include freedom of the press, digital rights, civic space, and individual expression. Each country is given a score between 0 and 100 and categorized as “Free,” “Less Restricted,” “Restricted,” “Highly Restricted,” or “In Crisis.”
Azerbaijan: A Deepening Crisis
According to the report, Azerbaijan’s score reflects ongoing repression of journalists, shrinking civic space, and systemic censorship. Independent media outlets are routinely targeted, dissent is criminalized, and civil society actors face growing threats.
Regional Comparison
Azerbaijan lags behind many of its neighbors:
- Armenia: 59th
- Georgia: 77th
- Turkey: 137th
- Iran: 140th
- Russia: 151st
Meanwhile, Denmark, Switzerland, and Sweden top the global index, while North Korea ranks last.
Global Context
The report highlights that 5.6 billion people worldwide have experienced a decline in freedom of expression over the past decade. Only 35 countries are currently classified as “Free,” and just 15 countries — home to less than 300 million people — have made notable progress in this area.
The findings underscore a troubling trend: authoritarianism and digital repression are on the rise, even in democratic societies.
At HumanRightsAZ.com, we aim to raise awareness about Azerbaijan’s deteriorating human rights climate. This new ranking reinforces the urgent need for international scrutiny and support for those fighting to protect fundamental freedoms in Azerbaijan.
Explore the full Global Expression Report at: globalexpressionreport.org
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