Category: Azer News

Today, the Baku Military Court delivered its verdict on a group of Armenian citizens found guilty of committing war crimes during Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, which signifies one of the most consequential moments in the post-conflict justice process in the South Caucasus. Long framed internationally as an intractable territorial dispute, the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict is now being revisited through the lens of accountability, criminal responsibility, and international law.

The defendants include former leaders of the illegal Armenian administration in Garabagh, among them Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others. Azerbaijani prosecutors accuse them not merely of participation in hostilities, but of playing leading roles in the planning, execution, and political management of a campaign marked by crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and genocide. The scope of the indictment is vast, reflecting the scale and duration of the violence inflicted on Azerbaijani civilians over decades.

At the heart of these proceedings is Azerbaijan’s argument that the war in Garabagh (Karabakh) was not an isolated local conflict, but an organised and state-backed military aggression by Armenia, carried out through its armed forces and illegal armed groups operating on Azerbaijani territory. According to the prosecution, these structures acted under centralised command, supported logistically and politically by Armenian state institutions and senior officials. The charges draw directly on international humanitarian law and mirror categories used in international tribunals, including genocide, forcible deportation, torture, and the intentional targeting of civilians.

One of the most sensitive aspects of the trial concerns crimes committed against Azerbaijani civilians during the early 1990s, particularly the Khojaly massacre of February 1992. During the proceedings, defendant Madat Babayan confessed to participating in the killing of civilians in Khojaly as part of Armenian armed formations. That admission, alongside extensive documentary and testimonial evidence, has reinforced Azerbaijan’s long-held claim that mass atrocities against civilians were not accidental by-products of war, but deliberate acts intended to terrorise and expel the local population.

The sentences handed down so far reflect both the gravity of the crimes and the constraints of Azerbaijani law. Bako Sahakyan and Arkadi Ghukasyan were each sentenced to 20 years in prison, despite prosecutors initially seeking life sentences. Azerbaijani legislation prohibits life imprisonment for individuals who have reached the age of 65 at the time of sentencing, a provision that has shaped several verdicts. Madat Babayan received a 19-year sentence, while other defendants were sentenced to between 15 and 19 years, depending on their level of involvement and command responsibility.

Critics abroad may view these trials through a political prism, questioning timing or motive. Yet to dismiss them as mere victor’s justice risks ignoring the broader context. For decades, Azerbaijani civilians were killed, forcibly displaced, or deprived of basic rights in territories under Armenian occupation. Entire cities and villages were razed. Hundreds of thousands were expelled from their homes. Until now, no meaningful legal process had addressed these crimes or the individuals who oversaw them.

What distinguishes the current proceedings is their openness and their grounding in codified law. The trial is public, defendants are represented by lawyers, evidence is examined in court, and verdicts are delivered with reference to specific articles of the criminal code. This is not a symbolic exercise, but a judicial one, aimed at establishing individual responsibility rather than collective guilt.

More broadly, the trials signal a shift in how post-Soviet conflicts may be reckoned with. Azerbaijan is asserting that reconciliation cannot rest solely on ceasefires and diplomatic statements, but must also confront the legacy of mass violence. Accountability, from this perspective, is not an obstacle to peace but a precondition for it.

Whether international audiences are willing to engage seriously with this process remains an open question. But what is clear is that the trials in Baku represent a deliberate attempt to anchor the post-war order in legal judgment rather than historical denial. For Azerbaijan, this is not only about the past in Garabagh, but about setting a precedent: that crimes against civilians, however politically complicated, will not remain beyond the reach of justice.

The “Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Youth Week” has officially launched in Baku, with the event set to run for two days.

As reported by Azernews, the event will feature panel discussions today on key topics such as ‘The Impact of Education: The Role of Science, Politics, and Communication in Diplomacy’ and ‘From Commitment to Action: Sustainable Development in Civil Society, Industry, and Business.’

During the event, Leyla Hasanova, Chair of the NAM Youth Organization, emphasized that the Youth Week serves as an open, sincere platform for intergenerational dialogue.

‘In the coming days, we will discuss vital issues such as diplomacy in times of uncertainty, sustainable development, energy transition, urban development, and the essential skills required for young people to build meaningful careers in international and political fields. These discussions reflect global challenges and the core values of the Non-Aligned Movement, including cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect,’ Hasanova stated.

She further highlighted that this week is dedicated not only to discussions but also to transforming ideas into action, where politics intersects with the people.

‘We often hear that young people are the leaders of tomorrow, but they are already active participants today, bringing fresh perspectives, responsibility, and a sincere commitment to finding solutions,’ she added.

Hasanova also mentioned that more than 100 participants are taking part in the event, underlining the significant engagement in this important dialogue.

A nostalgic retro night filled with unforgettable melodies has taken place on the stage of the Rashid Behbudov State Song Theatre, delighting music lovers with a journey back to the 80s, Azernews reports.

The concert program, titled “80s Hit Songs,” featured iconic tunes from the era, performed by beloved Azerbaijani singers.

Among the soloists who graced the stage during the retro evening were Gulyanag Mammadova, Heydar Anatollu, Ilhama Gasimova, Ayshan Mehdiyeva, Aynur Isgandarli, Madina Kazimova, Fakhri Kazim Nijat, Rovshan Gahramanov, Taleh Yahyayev, Konul Mammadova, Leyla Babayeva, Aysel Huseynzad?, Sattar Gambarov, and Rasim Safar.

The concert was accompanied by a live performance from the instrumental ensemble, adding an extra layer of energy and nostalgia to the memorable evening.

The Rashid Behbudov State Song Theatre is renowned for its contributions to the country’s music and performing arts scene.

Named after the legendary Azerbaijani singer Rashid Behbudov, the theatre is dedicated to preserving and promoting Azerbaijan’s rich musical heritage, particularly through vocal performance, classical music, and traditional song.

The theatre was officially founded in 1938 as the Azerbaijan State Song Theatre. Its repertoire includes a wide array of musical genres, reflecting both Azerbaijani traditional music and contemporary performances.

It hosts regular concerts, performances of operas, operettas, and musicals, as well as variety shows that feature the best of Azerbaijani song and dance.

NASA was forced to end a critical fueling test of its giant Artemis 2 rocket early Tuesday morning, delaying the mission to send astronauts around the Moon by at least a month. Now, as the sun rises on the big orange launch vehicle, the space agency is trying to clarify what went wrong – and much of what it’s saying sounds all too familiar, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

The fueling test for NASA’s Artemis 2 Space Launch System (SLS) rocket began late Saturday (Jan. 31) and continued until Tuesday morning. Known as a ‘wet dress rehearsal,’ the test simulates a full countdown, putting both the rocket and ground teams through the procedures to fuel the SLS with the more than 700,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen required for launch.

Tanking operations initially went smoothly on Tuesday (Feb. 2) after mission managers gave the ‘go’ to begin. However, hydrogen leaks detected at the SLS tail service mast umbilical quick disconnect on the launch platform forced technicians into troubleshooting mode for much of the afternoon.

If this sounds familiar, it’s because Artemis 1 experienced hydrogen leaks at the same location during its wet dress rehearsal three years ago. Those leaks led to three separate rollbacks to NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) over six months before Artemis 1 finally launched.

Artemis 1 lifted off in November 2022, carrying an uncrewed Orion spacecraft on a month-long mission around the Moon and back.

With Artemis 2, NASA will test Orion’s ability to sustain astronauts in deep space. The crew will include NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, who will fly on a 10-day mission around the far side of the Moon. This flight will validate Orion’s systems in preparation for Artemis 3, NASA’s planned mission to land astronauts back on the lunar surface.

‘We really did learn a lot from the Artemis 1 mission, and we implemented many of those lessons yesterday during the wet dress rehearsal,’ said Lori Glaze, acting associate administrator of NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, during a post-test press conference on Tuesday.

The Artemis 2 mission will mark the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972 that humans will orbit the far side of the Moon – nearly 55 years later.

As artificial intelligence reshapes economies and governance worldwide, Azerbaijan is seeking to move from strategy to implementation. A new memorandum of understanding signed with Israel on artificial intelligence signals a push towards infrastructure, talent development, and applied use cases. In this interview, AI expert Etibar Aliyev outlines what the agreement aims to deliver, how it fits into Azerbaijan’s national AI strategy, and which sectors stand to benefit most.

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Q: What is the main objective of the memorandum signed between Israel and Azerbaijan in the field of artificial intelligence? What potential benefits could this cooperation bring to Azerbaijan, and in which areas is growth expected?

The MOU’s primary goal is to formalize a framework for practical collaboration between Israel and Azerbaijan in AI, with a focus on implementation rather than merely symbolic agreements. As highlighted by Etibar Aliyev, the cooperation is designed to enhance Azerbaijan’s AI capabilities through infrastructure development, research initiatives, and human-capital development. “The agreement targets key bottlenecks such as access to computing power, operationalizing AI safely at scale, and ensuring the availability of skilled professionals,” he explains.

For Azerbaijan, these advancements have the potential to significantly accelerate its AI landscape. The agreement offers substantial benefits by tackling the critical barriers to AI integration, such as building the right infrastructure and ensuring the trained workforce necessary for the deployment of AI at scale. Aliyev further emphasizes that this partnership will foster AI-driven innovation in sectors such as urban mobility, cybersecurity, and human-capital development. These areas are expected to see immediate traction, contributing to both economic growth and digital transformation.

Q. How can cooperation with Israel in the field of AI contribute to the successful implementation of Azerbaijan’s ‘Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2025-2028’?

Azerbaijan’s ‘Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2025-2028’ outlines an ambitious vision for AI integration across the economy and public services. The partnership with Israel, according to expert, aligns perfectly with the strategy’s goals and will likely accelerate its implementation. The cooperation can expedite the deployment of enabling infrastructure, create the workforce readiness needed for successful AI adoption, and demonstrate real-world use cases for AI across various sectors.

“The memorandum’s focus on supercomputing and applied deployment can provide the necessary tools and frameworks to translate the strategy’s goals into tangible outcomes,” he explains. This includes defining deployment standards, establishing monitoring mechanisms, and ensuring the responsible use of AI. Furthermore, the human-capital focus of the MoU will reinforce Azerbaijan’s workforce priorities by introducing joint training programs and project-based learning, ensuring that the country develops a strong talent pool capable of advancing AI innovation.

Q. What new projects could emerge from the cooperation between the two countries in AI in the future? What specific steps can be taken in terms of training specialists and conducting joint research under this collaboration?

Looking to the future, he foresees a variety of projects stemming from this collaboration, which will combine infrastructure, applied pilots, and structured research initiatives. The emphasis on supercomputing and AI application in civilian sectors is likely to result in new projects focused on improving access to high-end AI resources for Azerbaijani institutions and startups, as well as establishing shared governance frameworks for AI deployment.

Smart mobility and transport digitalization stand out as one of the most promising areas for collaboration. AI’s potential to optimize traffic flow, improve route planning, and enhance fleet management could significantly impact Azerbaijan’s urban infrastructure. He also points to cybersecurity and secure digital transformation as key areas for collaboration, which will be critical as the nation continues to expand its digital footprint.

As for the development of AI specialists, the expert suggests that education must be directly linked to the deployment needs of Azerbaijan’s public and private sectors. “Creating role-based competency tracks, running ‘train-the-trainer’ programs, and incorporating real-world capstone projects will ensure the workforce is equipped with the skills needed to meet national challenges,” he asserts. Joint research efforts should also be grounded in real-world applications, with clear problem-solving goals and access to computing resources, data governance rules, and collaborative structures for transparent intellectual property management.

Q. In which key civil sectors can joint AI projects be implemented, and what impact could these projects have on Azerbaijan?

AI holds the potential to transform a variety of key civilian sectors in Azerbaijan, and several areas are particularly ripe for AI-driven innovation. As the expert points out, transport and urban mobility are high-priority sectors where AI can address issues such as congestion forecasting, predictive maintenance, and fleet optimization.

Additionally, AI can improve public services by automating workflows, enhancing citizen support, and reducing administrative burdens. These initiatives are expected to improve the efficiency and accessibility of services, ultimately benefiting the general population.

AI can also play a transformative role in energy and utilities by enabling predictive maintenance, demand forecasting, and operational optimization. These applications not only improve service reliability but also help reduce operational costs. Furthermore, healthcare and education sectors stand to gain from AI through resource allocation optimization and the development of AI-assisted learning systems that can enhance workforce readiness.

In terms of national security, the integration of AI in cybersecurity will be crucial to protecting Azerbaijan’s digital infrastructure as the country undergoes increasing digitalization. The memorandum’s emphasis on civilian applications ensures that the projects will have a broad impact, directly benefiting citizens while simultaneously building long-term AI capabilities for Azerbaijan.

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Why Azerbaijan’s AI deal with Israel matters

The memorandum between Azerbaijan and Israel reflects a shift away from aspirational technology policy towards execution. Rather than focusing on abstract innovation goals, the agreement prioritises computing infrastructure, applied deployment, and workforce readiness – the elements that often determine whether AI strategies succeed or stall.

Israel’s appeal lies not only in its technological sophistication, but in its experience translating AI research into scalable civilian systems. For Azerbaijan, this offers a chance to shorten development cycles and avoid the costly inefficiencies seen in many emerging AI ecosystems.

Crucially, the emphasis on civilian sectors anchors AI development in public value rather than experimentation for its own sake. If implemented consistently, the partnership could help Azerbaijan build a durable AI ecosystem that would be capable of scaling over time and contributing to both economic growth and social resilience.

Al Jazeera has reported that it obtained details of a proposed US-Iran deal put forward with the mediation of Trkiye, Qatar, and Egypt, outlining a broad framework aimed at de-escalation and renewed diplomatic engagement, Azernews reports.

According to the report, Iran would agree to reduce uranium enrichment to zero for a period of three years, after which enrichment would resume at levels below 1.5 percent. In addition, Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, estimated at about 400 kilograms, would be transferred to a third country.

The proposed arrangement also includes security-related commitments. Iran would reportedly agree not to transfer weapons or military technology to non-state allies in the region and would pledge not to be the first to use ballistic missiles.

Another key element of the proposal is the conclusion of a non-aggression pact between Iran and the United States, aimed at reducing the risk of direct military confrontation.

Al Jazeera notes that the details reflect an effort by regional mediators to bridge gaps between Washington and Tehran amid heightened tensions and ongoing uncertainty over the future of Iran’s nuclear program. Neither the US nor Iran has officially confirmed the reported terms of the proposal.

The stakes are high and the gaps between Tehran and Washington remain significant.

The US wants Iran to limit its ballistic missile capability that keeps Israel and US military bases in the region within reach. Iran says these missiles are part of the country’s defence capability, pointing to Israel’s attacks in June that killed more than 1,000 people in Iran.

Washington wants Iran to stop supporting non-state allies across the region, a demand supported by Israel and some Arab governments.

Iran rejects the argument that supporting what it calls the ‘axis of resistance’ is destabilising.

Then there is Iran’s strategic space programme tasked with achieving self-sufficiency in satellite design and communication. The US, Israel and other Western governments have voiced concern about this and the increasing cooperation between Iran and Russia.

Tehran says the talks must be fair and must include lifting the sanctions, which have devastated its economy.

The use of the social media platform TikTok has been allowed again in Albania, Azernews reports.

According to the Balkan bureau of Report, the decision was taken during a meeting of the country’s Council of Ministers.

Under the new ruling, the National Cybersecurity Authority has been instructed to immediately lift the technical restrictions that had previously limited access to the platform.

Authorities explained that the decision was based on the conclusion that earlier concerns related to public safety and digital security had been addressed and that appropriate monitoring and control measures are now in place.

The ban was originally imposed on March 6, 2025, through interim measures No. 151 aimed at mitigating the negative impact of TikTok. The move followed the killing of a 14-year-old teenager, an incident that sparked nationwide debate over the influence of social media on minors.

Albania was among the few European countries to introduce a temporary nationwide restriction on TikTok. Observers say the lifting of the ban will serve as a real-world test of whether strengthened digital oversight can protect users-especially young people-without resorting to outright platform bans, a challenge many governments across Europe continue to face.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said there is a ‘low risk’ of a serious infectious disease spreading internationally following the detection of Nipah virus cases in India, and has advised countries not to impose additional travel restrictions, Azernews reports.

On 13 January, Indian health authorities confirmed two cases of Nipah virus infection among healthcare workers in Kolkata, in the eastern state of West Bengal. The zoonotic virus is primarily transmitted from animals to humans, most commonly through fruit bats, either via direct contact or by consuming contaminated food.

According to the WHO, Nipah virus infection can be asymptomatic, but in severe cases, it carries a high fatality risk, with reported outcomes ranging widely. Symptoms may include fever, headache, confusion, respiratory distress, vomiting and diarrhoea. In more serious cases, patients can develop encephalitis or meningitis.

The confirmed cases have prompted heightened travel health concerns across parts of Asia. Countries including Thailand and Pakistan have introduced Covid-style health screenings at airports receiving flights from India. Despite this, the WHO has said further travel or trade restrictions are not recommended at this stage.

Guernsey’s government said it will continue to monitor developments related to the Nipah virus, while UK authorities have not issued new travel guidance specific to the outbreak. The UK Foreign Office has not updated its advice for travel to India in response to the cases, and no Nipah virus infections have ever been recorded in the UK.

India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on 27 January that all contacts linked to the two confirmed cases in West Bengal had tested negative. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has described the risk to tourists visiting countries where the Nipah virus circulates as ‘very low’ if basic precautions are followed.

‘While the risk to most people remains very low, understanding this virus is important if you are planning to travel to one of the areas where it circulates,’ UKHSA said.

The Nipah virus was first identified in 1999 during an outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore. Since then, human cases have been reported periodically in South and Southeast Asia. This is the ninth outbreak recorded in India since the virus was first detected there in 2001, with recurring outbreaks reported in Kerala in recent years. Bangladesh has also reported cases almost annually, while Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore have recorded outbreaks in the past.

There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Nipah virus. Public health guidance focuses on reducing exposure, including maintaining good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with bats and potentially infected animals, washing or peeling fruit before consumption, and avoiding raw or unboiled date palm sap.

On February 5, Leyla Aliyeva visited the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum and the Abrahamic Family House.

Leyla Aliyeva first toured the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first international branch of the renowned Louvre Museum in Paris, is located on Saadiyat Island. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the museum opened to the public in November 2017. Its permanent collection features a vast array of works of art spanning different historical periods and civilizations. The museum also hosts exhibits on loan from partner museums.

Leyla Aliyeva also familiarized herself with the Abrahamic Family House.

The creation of the Abrahamic Family House was announced in 2019 by President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This unique complex comprises three houses of worship – the Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque, the St. Francis Church, and the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue – aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence. The complex also includes a central educational center where visitors can learn about different religions.

The Baku Military Court has continued the ongoing trial of Armenian citizens, during which verdicts are being announced for the defendants.

Azernews reports that under the court’s ruling, Arayik Harutyunyan has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

It should be recalled that prosecutors representing the state prosecution had also sought a life sentence for the defendant.

The trial concerns citizens of the Republic of Armenia accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity and war crimes as a result of Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan. The charges include the preparation and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism and the financing of terrorism, as well as the violent seizure and retention of power and numerous other serious crimes. The court proceedings are continuing with the announcement of verdicts.