AZE.US
Keramet Boyukchol says recent online campaigns reflect deeper structural problems in Azerbaijan’s political and media environment.
Azerbaijani writer Keramet Boyukchol has publicly criticized recent video publications circulated by activists Mehman and Emin Huseynov, arguing that the format and tone of the material fall outside the standards of both independent and state-aligned media.
In a Facebook post, Boyukchol said the current style of public confrontation does not contribute to constructive civic debate and instead deepens polarization. He suggested that attempts to raise ethical concerns about such methods often lead to counter-accusations referencing past government actions, complicating public discussion.
According to the author, the situation illustrates a broader crisis in political communication in Azerbaijan, in which mutual distrust and reputational attacks overshadow substantive debate. He argued that neither the authorities nor society benefit from escalating cycles of confrontation.
Boyukchol also noted that stronger public engagement and principled positions from civil society actors could have influenced the tone of the debate, but said the current environment limits such space. He expressed the view that certain public figures, if not facing legal constraints, might have articulated clearer positions on the matter.
Drawing on a reference to Victor Hugo’s novel Les Misérables, the writer emphasized the importance of consistent moral standards, arguing that ethical principles should not be applied selectively.
He concluded by warning that the continued degradation of public discourse risks undermining societal values, and expressed hope that individuals not directly involved in political disputes would not become collateral damage in broader confrontations.