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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

⚡️Mikroskop Media relaunches its English section. We will provide weekly briefings on key developments in #Azerbaijan. ❗️Our updates will cover authoritarianism, tensions between #Iran and Azerbaijan, and political prisoners. 📩Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed. ▶️ mikroskopmedia.beehiiv.com

mikroskopmedia.beehiiv.com

Home | Mikroskop Media Weekly Brief

As a device, a microscope shows particles that are invisible to the naked eye. As a media, the Mikroskop explores, reveals and explains the unseen aspects of what is happening.

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

That’s why it is necessary to show what actually happens behind the curtain of these events.

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

At the same time, when you talk about #Azerbaijan to an audience where a significant portion may not even know where the country is located — and whose awareness of it comes mainly from events like #Formula 1 and #Eurovision, often used for whitewashing — context becomes essential.

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

“If young people in Azerbaijan started protesting — a real Gen Z wave — would anyone inside the country dare to report it?” It was difficult to answer this question, given the latest crackdown aimed at silencing almost everyone and preventing any form of criticism. correctiv.org/aktuelles/in...

correctiv.org

Aserbaidschan: Wenn die Siegesfeier den Widerspruch zum Schweigen bringt

DIE UNBEQUEME FRAGE Woran denken Sie, wenn Sie das Wort Aserbaidschan hören? Für viele Europäer entsteht ein Bild voller Hochgeschwindigkeitsglanz: die spektakulären Kurven des Formel 1 Grand Prix i...

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

I wrote an explainer on #Azerbaijan for @correctiv.org, which has already been published in both English and German. While working on it, I was reminded of a question I was asked during the Exile Talks panel in Dortmund, where I spoke about the situation in Azerbaijan ⬇️ correctiv.org/en/europe/20...

correctiv.org

Azerbaijan: The Price of Victory and the Silence of Dissent

Introduction: The Uncomfortable Question What do you think of when you hear the word Azerbaijan? For many in Europe, the image is all high-speed glamour: the thrilling turns of the Formula 1 Baku Gran...

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

#Meydan TV Journalists’ Trial Begins in #Azerbaijan A Year After Arrests Jeanne Cavelier, head of the Eastern Europe and CA desk at @rsf.org, told @occrp.org that the charges were "blatantly fabricated," describing the proceedings as "judicial harassment. www.occrp.org/en/news/tria...

occrp.org

Trial of Meydan TV Journalists Begins in Azerbaijan A Year After Arrests

Press watchdog Reporters Without Borders slammed the financial crimes charges as “blatantly fabricated” and demanded the journalists’ “immediate release.”

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

At the first #Berlin Freedom Conference today, I had the privilege of meeting Vladimir and Evgenia Kara-Murza. We spoke about our countries and the challenge of working for your homeland from abroad. Mr. Kara-Murza said: “We are on the right side of history — we will win.”

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

With the weekend approaching, it’s time to treat myself and enjoy the upcoming Halloween celebrations with wonderful friends 🎃✨

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

After the panel, I spoke with a Turkish academic about the painful similarities our countries and the feeling of losing your place in your homeland while searching for belonging elsewhere. Despite the exhaustion of long trips, meeting incredible people and exchanging ideas made it all worth it. 💬💪

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

I also traveled to Dortmund for the Exile Talks by @correctiv.org. Together with 🇬🇪 activist Gaga Gogoladze and moderator @mdeinyan.bsky.social, we discussed Repression and the Fight for Free Media in the SC. Before the panel, I was interviewed by Salon5’s team about the ongoing crackdown in🇦🇿.

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

After finally completing a long and exhausting UK visa process, last week I attended the London Trust Conference, organized by the Thomson Reuters Foundation. It was a great opportunity to meet inspiring people, reconnect with fellows and colleagues, and explore the beauty of London.

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

2/2 Following our coverage of the story, pro-government media reported that “Mehdiyev repeatedly proposed his plan to overthrow the state to #Russia; however, since Russia didn’t see any ‘prospect’ in it, it informed the #Azerbaijani government about his plans.”

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

1/2 Ramiz Mehdiyev, who was one of the most powerful officials in #Azerbaijan until 2019, was placed under house arrest yesterday on charges of #treason and attempting to overthrow the state by force. www.occrp.org/en/news/azer...

occrp.org

Azerbaijan’s Former Presidential Chief of Staff Placed Under House Arrest

House arrest ordered for former Azerbaijani presidential chief of staff on treason, attempted coup, and money laundering charges.

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

the question about the return of the #Armenian population to #Karabakh was not answered properly — and, crucially, it was never followed up on. In a nutshell, I would describe the meeting this way: #Trump was praising himself, #Aliyev was praising Trump, and #Pashinyan was praising both of them.

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

— a country that has long been the main moderator in negotiations. #Pashinyan and #Aliyev have met in #Moscow several times. It would have been worth asking why Russia has now disappeared from the process. Another important point that was missed:

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

What disappointed me — especially as a journalist — about this meeting was that we didn’t hear substantive or challenging questions about the conflict from colleagues who attended. For example, I would have liked to hear a question about #Russia’s role in this conflict

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

- we have continued to speak out. One of us, Bahruz Samadov, is currently in jail. Still, it is important to note that there is now a very real hope and progress toward achieving peace between two countries that have experienced hatred and conflict for over 30 years.

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

Personally, I have been supporting peace between #Azerbaijan and #Armenia for quite a long time — even in the middle of the 2020 war. Even though we, the supporters of peace, have faced various forms of pressure - including insults, humiliation, and even physical persecution -

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

Made it to #Gummersbach (despite DB delays) for the event Independent Journalism in Times of Crisis by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. Spoke with @yavuzbaydar.bsky.social & Hazrat Bahar on the challenges facing exile media today.

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

This is not the first time local TV broadcasters and online media have worked to lay the groundwork for business ventures linked to the presidential family. Back in 2023, a similar media push was used to prepare public opinion for Pasha Holding’s entry into the taxi market.

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

Here is our latest explainer video. While President Ilham Aliyev’s former son-in-law plans to launch a casino at his Sea Breeze resort—despite gambling being officially banned under local law—pro-government media outlets have already begun promoting the supposed “benefits” of the casino business.

youtube.com

Televiziyalar Emin Ağalarovun kazino biznesinə necə zəmin hazırlayır? İzah edirik!

YouTube video by Mikroskop Media

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 20/05/2025

#Talysh researcher Igbal Abilov sentenced to 18 years in prison on charges of treason. Abilov is the editor-in-chief of the "Talysh National Academy News" online magazine, which publishes researchs related to the Talysh people. He denies accusations #Azerbaijan #crackdown credits:Ulviyya Ali

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Took this selfie yesterday — a day full of panels and discussions. Day two has just started, and I’m hoping to find some time to explore the city today :) #CDS2025 #DefendDemocracy

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Boris Johnson also joined the Summit — at least online :) Now we listen to his live interview with Gordon Repinski on managing the new world order. #CDS2025 #DefendDemocracy

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

The first question to the Netherlands' former Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren: "Do you think that NATO is dead?" #CDS2025 #DefendDemocracy

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

The Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenković answers to questions of Gordon Repinski on Europe's defence of Ukraine #CDS2025

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, shares updates on peace talks at the #Copenhagen Democracy Summit. He responds to questions from Anders Fogh Rasmussen. “If Putin refuses to come to Turkey, it will be the final signal that Russia is not ready for negotiations.” #CDS2025

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

Another city I’m visiting for the first time this year — and it’s also a work trip! :) Just arrived in Copenhagen to attend the Copenhagen Democracy Summit.

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

Ulviyya Ali says: "They have put handcuffs on the media." credit: Fargana Novruzova

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

Several minutes ago, the Khatai District Court announced its decision on her case. She has been sentenced to 1 month and 29 days of pre-trial detention. #Azerbaijan #Journalismisnotacrime

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

I don’t remember the number of news stories covering the detention of journalists and activists from Azerbaijan that I have reported for @occrp.org over the past 1.5 years. Since Nov. 2023, we have been experiencing a never-ending crackdown. Now, Ulviyya Ali has also become a journalist behind bars

occrp.org

Azerbaijan Widens Media Crackdown with Two Arrests

In the latest wave of crackdown on independent media, Azerbaijani authorities target reporters linked to foreign-funded outlets and civil society.

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

The President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, has arrived in Baku and was officially welcomed. A closed meeting is now being held between Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev and Pezeshkian. #Iran #Azerbaijan #SouthCausasus

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

At Exile Talks by @correctiv.org — listening to @thousandfriend.bsky.social, @candundar.bsky.social and Sergey Lukashevsky talk about how the authoritarian playbook plays out in Russia, Turkey & the US. Chilling parallels, but also powerful reminders of resistance. #ExileTalks #PressFreedom

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

Attending an interesting panel on "Philanthropic support for journalism that aligns with foundation program and priority areas" here at the Hotel Brufani! #journalism #philanthropy #Perugia #ijf25

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

Besides the festival, we also enjoy the amazing Italian homemade wine :) #Perugia #Italy #ijf25

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Fatima Karimova @fatimakarim.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

For the first time, I am attending the Perugia International Journalism Festival. It is nice and exciting to be in Perugia. I am looking forward to hearing more from colleagues around the world. #Perugia #ijf25

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