Azerbaijan’s Climate Activist Behind Bars: The Fight for Climate Justice and Freedom
Azerbaijan, a country often referred to as a rentier state due to its heavy reliance on fossil fuel exports, is facing a critical situation as economist Farid Mehralizada has been imprisoned ahead of the climate summit in Baku. Farid, known for his advocacy for social justice and climate-friendly policies, was forcibly detained on May 30 this year and is now facing 12 years in jail on spurious charges.
Farid has been a vocal critic of Azerbaijan’s dependence on oil and gas, highlighting the economic vulnerabilities exacerbated by unresponsive governance. He has emphasized the urgent need for climate action and sustainable practices in a country where 92 out of every 100 dollars earned through foreign trade come from the oil and gas industry.
One of Farid’s key concerns has been Azerbaijan’s chronic reliance on fossil fuels, which he believes discourages diversification and hinders the country’s economic future. He has also raised alarm about the inefficiency of water resource management in a country facing drought, warning of severe water shortages and agricultural productivity issues if these systems are not modernized.
Farid’s case is not an isolated one, as several journalists, researchers, and human rights defenders in Azerbaijan have faced repercussions for their critical work. The ongoing crackdown on independent media outlets and NGOs, including the one Farid was accused of collaborating with, highlights the risks faced by activists and experts advocating for climate justice and social welfare in the country.
As Farid’s imprisonment underscores the intersection of climate justice advocacy with broader political struggles in Azerbaijan, it serves as a call for systemic change in both environmental policy and governance. The international community, especially attendees of COP29, should recognize and extend their solidarity with those who have become victims in the fight for climate justice and transparency in Azerbaijan.