Election posters of all Azerbaijani presidential candidates are displayed in Baku on February 5, 2024. (AP/Sergei Grits)

CPJ joins call for Azerbaijan to maintain unfettered internet access during upcoming elections

The Committee to Protect Journalists on Monday joined #KeepItOn Coalition partners in calling on Azerbaijan authorities and the country’s telecommunications companies and internet service providers to maintain free, open, and secure internet access and avoid shutdowns throughout presidential elections scheduled for February 7, 2024.

The letter highlights how Azerbaijani authorities have implemented internet restrictions on several occasions during military conflict since 2020.

In a major crackdown on the independent press leading up to elections, authorities have arrested at least nine journalists from prominent outlets in retaliation for their work.

Read the full letter here.