Sputnik and BBC Shut Down in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan has dissolved the Russian news agency Sputnik's office and suspended the operations of the BBC bureau in the country. The government also revoked the accreditation of a Voice of America correspondent and closed the offices of Rossotrudnichestvo and USAID. Moscow has protested the decision and is awaiting explanations from Azerbaijani authorities.
The Azerbaijani government has decided to shut down the Russian news agency Sputnik’s office, which operates under the Rossiya Segodnya media group. Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ayhan Hajizade confirmed the closure and clarified that the Russian agency will now only be able to accredit one correspondent in the country. Russian officials stated that they had not received official notification regarding the dissolution of the office, but for now, Sputnik's operations in Azerbaijan have effectively ceased.
Additionally, on February 20, it was reported that the BBC’s bureau in Azerbaijan had also been suspended. BBC representatives stated that the decision was communicated verbally, and journalists have temporarily halted their activities until further clarification. Furthermore, the Azerbaijani government revoked the accreditation of a Voice of America correspondent, though no specific reasons were disclosed.
Earlier, Baku also notified Rossotrudnichestvo of the closure of the Russian House, citing suspicions of Russian intelligence activities operating under its cover. Simultaneously, authorities decided to shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). According to BakuTV, the Russian House allegedly served as a front for Russian intelligence, which led to its closure. Similar accusations have been made against Western organizations, including USAID, suggesting a shift in Azerbaijan’s policy towards foreign institutions.
These moves have sparked a strong reaction from Moscow. The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Azerbaijan’s ambassador Rahman Mustafayev to express its protest against Sputnik’s closure and the dissolution of the Russian House. Russian diplomats have requested official clarifications from Baku, stating that the decision contradicts the development of bilateral relations. The UK and US have also called for explanations regarding the suspension of BBC and Voice of America operations, with Western media organizations raising concerns about press freedom and access to information.
The closure of multiple foreign media outlets and organizations in Azerbaijan may signal a new phase in Baku’s policy, focusing on tightening control over the country’s information space. This move could impact Azerbaijan’s relations with Russia, the US, and the UK. Some analysts believe these measures reflect Baku’s desire to strengthen its own information sovereignty and limit foreign media influence on domestic affairs. However, critics argue that these actions could harm Azerbaijan’s international image and strain diplomatic relations.
The situation remains fluid, and official statements from both Azerbaijani authorities and the affected countries are expected in the coming weeks.
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