Azerbaijan Institute for Democracy and Human Rights

US-Iran confrontation could expand to involve more countries – Ahmad Shahidov speaks to ARB24 Television

US President Donald Trump’s decision to halt military operations against Iran following two days of intensive airstrikes, coupled with Tehran’s announcement that it would also suspend its missile attacks, has raised hopes of a temporary reduction in regional tensions. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether this fragile pause will hold, as international observers believe that alongside […]

The U.S. will increase military pressure as long as Iran refuses to back down – Ahmad Shahidov speaks to ARB24 Television

The ongoing military confrontation between the United States and Iran has further escalated tensions across the Middle East. Growing security risks in the Strait of Hormuz, the heightened military readiness of the Gulf states, and Washington’s expanded military presence in the region indicate that the conflict has entered a new phase. Analysts believe that military […]

Iranian threat further strengthens the U.S.–Gulf strategic partnership – Ahmad Shahidov speaks to ARB24 Television

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statement that several Gulf countries are prepared to invest in the United States in exchange for Washington ensuring the security of international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has brought security issues in the Middle East back to the forefront. Amid rising tensions surrounding Iran, military, political, and economic […]

Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Germany marks a new chapter in Azerbaijan–European Union relations – Ahmad Shahidov speaks to Real Television

The official visit of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Germany has attracted significant international attention. During the visit, meetings with the German leadership are focused on expanding bilateral political and economic cooperation, strengthening energy security, promoting green energy projects, and discussing regional issues. Several cooperation agreements are also expected to be signed. Political analyst […]

Prolonged war in Ukraine is harming both Russia and European countries, Ahmad Shahidov tells ARB24 Television

The European Union’s proposed 21st package of sanctions against Russia, concerns voiced by several EU member states over these sanctions, the course of the Russia–Ukraine war, prospects for negotiations between the parties, as well as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming meetings with Russian and Chinese officials on the sidelines of the Asia Summit […]

The European Union’s civilian mission in Armenia overshadows the peace process – Ahmad Shahidov speaks to ARB24 Television

The expansion of the mandate of the European Union Monitoring Mission operating along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, as well as its future activities, has once again brought regional security and the peace process into focus. As negotiations on a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia continue, the proposed expansion of the mission’s authority has generated differing […]

What would happen if Azerbaijan fully withdraws from the Council of Europe? – Ahmad Shahidov comments to REAL Television

Speaking at the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, President Ilham Aliyev stated that if Azerbaijan’s voting rights in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) are not restored, the country’s withdrawal from the Council of Europe could become an option. The President stressed that Azerbaijan’s complete withdrawal from the organization would not lead […]

The Israel factor lies at the center of the U.S.-Iran confrontation: Ahmad Shahidov speaks to ARB24 Television

The renewed military escalation between the United States and Iran in recent days has once again placed the Middle East at the center of international attention. Although the exchange of military operations between the two sides has raised concerns about the possibility of a wider regional conflict, ongoing diplomatic contacts continue to shape differing assessments […]

“The NATO Ankara Summit has further strengthened Türkiye’s role in the global security architecture,” Ahmad Shahidov told Real Television

The NATO Summit held in Ankara is regarded as one of the Alliance’s most significant political and security gatherings in recent years. During the summit, heads of state and government from NATO member countries discussed key global and regional security challenges. The agenda focused on the Russia-Ukraine war, strengthening NATO’s collective defense capabilities, increasing defense […]

“Russia’s targeting of energy infrastructure in Ukraine is not accidental” – Ahmad Shahidov speaks to ARB24 Television

The Russian Armed Forces’ drone strike on a SOCAR fuel station in Ukraine’s Mykolaiv region has drawn international attention. The attack damaged the station’s administrative building, but no one was injured because all employees had taken shelter after air raid alerts were issued. Commenting on the incident in an interview with ARB24 Television, political analyst […]

A possible agreement with Iran has led to disagreements between the United States and Israel – Ahmad Shahidov speaks to ARB24 Television

The ongoing diplomatic contacts between the United States and Iran have sparked new geopolitical debates in the Middle East. Washington’s willingness to pursue a possible agreement with Tehran does not align with Israel’s position, highlighting growing differences between the two strategic allies over Iran. Political analyst Ahmad Shahidov told ARB24 TV that it is no […]

Ahmad Shahidov speaks on joint efforts against torture at the OSCE Vienna Meeting

The OSCE Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting entitled “Preventing Torture and Ill-Treatment – Strengthening Co-operation and Implementation” is continuing in Vienna, Austria. The high-level event, held on 29–30 June, has brought together diplomats, human rights defenders, journalists, and representatives of international organizations from all 57 OSCE participating States. On 30 June 2026, the second panel session, […]

The geography of the Russia–Ukraine war may expand – Ahmad Shahidov speaks to ARB24 Television

Military operations in the Russia–Ukraine war continue to intensify. The exchange of attacks between the two sides, Russia’s missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, and Kyiv’s operations against military targets inside Russian territory indicate that the conflict has entered a new phase. The recent escalation around Belarus has also increased concerns that the geographical scope of […]

Ahmad Shahidov reviews the outcomes of PACE Summer Session from Strasbourg

The 2026 Summer Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has concluded in Strasbourg, France, following five days of intensive debates on Europe’s most pressing political, legal and security challenges. Commenting on the outcome of the session, Azerbaijani human rights defender Ahmad Shahidov released a video statement from Strasbourg, summarizing the […]

Ahmad Shahidov comments on PACE’s anti-Azerbaijani resolution on Real Television

The resolution adopted against Azerbaijan during the summer session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has sparked broad international debate. Commenting on the issue, human rights defender Ahmad Shahidov gave an interview to Real Television, where he analyzed the developments within PACE and assessed the Assembly’s approach toward Azerbaijan. Ahmad Shahidov […]

We must mobilize against the hybrid war waged against Azerbaijan at PACE – Ahmad Shahidov appeals to NGOs and the media

During the 2026 Summer Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), hearings critical of Azerbaijan were held and a resolution was adopted. In addition, a written declaration entitled “The Erasure of Armenian Cultural Identity in the Karabakh Region of Azerbaijan” was introduced with the signatures of 25 PACE members. In response, […]

What is the purpose of the hearings on Azerbaijan at PACE? – Ahmad Shahidov speaks to Real Television from Strasbourg

Discussions concerning Azerbaijan are expected to continue during the Summer Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), taking place in Strasbourg, France, from June 22 to 26. The agenda includes issues related to human rights, democracy, freedom of expression, and civil society, while several parliamentarians are expected to deliver critical remarks […]

Human rights situation in Azerbaijan brought to debate at PACE – Ahmad Shahidov speaks to ARB24 Television from Strasbourg

Discussions related to Azerbaijan are in the spotlight on the second day of the Summer Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg, France. The Assembly’s agenda includes hearings on human rights, democracy, freedom of expression, and the state of civil society in Azerbaijan, with several parliamentarians expected to deliver […]

Special hearings on Azerbaijan to be held at PACE: Ahmad Shahidov comments from Strasbourg

The Summer Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) officially opened on June 22 in Strasbourg, France. The session, which will continue until June 26, will focus on issues including democracy, human rights, artificial intelligence, media freedom, migration, and international security. Separate hearings on Azerbaijan are also included on the agenda, […]

Military escalation in the Middle East could disrupt US-Iran dialogue again – Ahmad Shahidov speaks to ARB24 Television

The decision to include the Israel-Hezbollah conflict on the agenda of the planned talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland has attracted significant international attention. The negotiations, taking place amid ongoing regional tensions, are considered important for restoring stability in the Middle East and reducing the risk of further escalation. Speaking to ARB24 […]

Pressure on the opposition in Armenia will intensify after the elections – Ahmad Shahidov speaks to ARB24 Television

Armenia is expected to enter a new phase of political developments following the parliamentary elections. After the victory of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s ruling party, attention has shifted to the government’s possible moves against the opposition and the future direction of the country’s domestic political landscape. Legal proceedings initiated against several opposition politicians and public […]

Russia is trying to create hybrid destabilization in Armenia after the elections – Ahmad Shahidov spoke to ARB24 Television

Political developments in Armenia remain under close scrutiny following the parliamentary elections held on June 7. Despite the victory of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s political force, discussions continue regarding Armenia’s future geopolitical orientation, its relations with Russia, and the prospects for the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process. Political analyst Ahmad Shahidov told ARB24 Television that the election […]

US-Iran negotiations have reached a deadlock, and no agreement is expected in the near future – Ahmad Shahidov spoke to ARB24 Television

Despite repeated statements by US President Donald Trump suggesting that an agreement with Iran is close, and despite calls by the United Nations to reduce tensions in the Middle East, a final settlement between Washington and Tehran remains out of reach. Although diplomatic contacts continue, significant disagreements persist on key issues. Ahmad Shahidov stated that […]

What steps should Azerbaijan take regarding the deaths of Azerbaijani sailors? – Ahmad Shahidov spoke to ARB24 Television

Five Azerbaijani citizens were killed after two cargo ships traveling from Turkey to Rostov-on-Don in the Sea of Azov came under attack by unmanned aerial vehicles. The deaths of Azerbaijani sailors working aboard vessels operating under foreign flags have caused serious concern in the country. An investigation into the incident is ongoing. Political analyst Ahmad […]

Elections in Armenia and Russian pressure will shape the region’s future – Ahmad Shahidov spoke to ARB24 Television

As Armenia approaches its parliamentary elections, political tensions in the country continue to intensify. The arrest of opposition figures, strong messages from Russia toward Yerevan, and debates over Armenia’s future geopolitical orientation have become the main topics of the pre-election agenda. Experts believe that the election results will have a significant impact not only on […]