Afət Ziyadqızı
We condemn the intensification of targeted information attacks against Azerbaijan from Iran and Türkiye, particularly through the Telegram and TikTok platforms, as incompatible with the principles of protecting information security, mutual respect in interstate relations and international cooperation against disinformation.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the Media and Broadcasting Council made the statement.
In recent days, public activists, politicians and even officials operating in foreign countries have been openly taking an active part in targeted information campaigns against Azerbaijan. Such activity, driven by political and ideological motives and involving the manipulation of public opinion and interference in the country’s domestic affairs, is an unacceptable example of the misuse of the information space and attempts to undermine public trust.
The mass posting of content with the same spelling errors and writing style, the repeated “copy-paste” of similar comments, and the edited circulation of photos and videos unrelated to Azerbaijan are primitive and easily identifiable methods used in coordinated troll attacks.
Although the people posting are foreign-language speakers, more than 400 posts were shared in a short time using a hashtag created in Azerbaijani. In many cases, the posts consisted only of the hashtag, while individual accounts circulated the same content repeatedly. This clearly demonstrates the manipulative nature of the campaigns and has rightly provoked public anger and indignation toward their organizers and participants.
Posting such content through various anonymous accounts and encouraging citizens to violate public order through negative comments and reactions are wholly contrary to the laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan and international law, and entail legal liability.
The routine publication in those countries’ media and social media spaces of unfounded and biased material about Azerbaijan, as well as threats, intimidation and insults directed at the Azerbaijani state and people, and the failure of authorities to take any action in response, are causing concern and serious dissatisfaction among the public.
The Media and Broadcasting Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan once again urges citizens, media organizations and social media users to remain vigilant against such manipulative campaigns, refrain from helping spread false information, and take a responsible and principled stand against attempts to damage the reputation of Azerbaijan.
