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Azerbaijani government has managed to silence its Western critics by cooperating with the U.S. and Europe on energy and security issues. However, the government’s recent clampdown has made it difficult to turn a blind eye; and it seems Azerbaijan and the West have reached a critical juncture in their relations, one of the leaders of the Azerbaijani movement REAL (Republican Alternative) writes in his article, published on the website of Open Democracy.

“Clearly, the Azerbaijani regime intends to secure its longevity by rejecting democratic principles. But bad governance exacerbates the security threats, and challenges the very existence of the state. The eradication of moderate, secular, and liberal democratic voices in a majority-Muslim society will only serve to bolster religious radicalism as a viable alternative. The government in fact echoes the rhetoric of radical voices by attacking civil society and blaming the West for the plight of the Muslim world,” the author writes stressing that attacking the West and denying reforms will also make the government vulnerable to external pressure.

According to the article, Azerbaijani government continues to insist that the West drop its human rights and democracy agenda when dealing with Azerbaijan over energy and security cooperation. Things will be particularly tough for Azerbaijan in 2015 due to the fall in oil production and prices, which will significantly reduce Azerbaijan’s revenue. While oil revenue enabled the government to ease tensions in the past, it admits that this year will be very critical. The year started with a sharp decline of the Azerbaijani currency, the stability of which was a matter of pride for the government during the last decade. Furthermore, sanctions against Russia will affect remittances from Azerbaijani labor migrants there, which will severely impact the livelihood of many Azerbaijani citizens.

In its turn, Voice of America writes about Azerbaijan sentencing opposition activist Siraj Karimov to six years in prison on drug-related charges. It is also noted in the article that his brother, Faraj Karimov, an outspoken critic of Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, was arrested last July for allegedly selling drugs and is presently in pretrial detention. Proceeding with presenting other political prisoners in the country, it is highlighted in the article that Azerbaijan will host the European Games this June. British outlet Reuters turned to the arrest of the oppositionist, too.

“This is another nail in the coffin of freedom of expression in Azerbaijan. The charges against Siraj Karimli are clearly a response to his brother’s political activities and criticism of the government. This sentence not only means an innocent man is going to prison, but it is intended as a warning to other activists and their families,” reads the statement of Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Europe and Central Asia, published n the website of the organization.

It is highlighted in the statement that the crackdown on opposition activists and people who have organized online groups discussing government policies is not new in Azerbaijan. But increased harassment and arrests of activists’ family members appear to be part of a new and chilling trend that further restricts the already very limited space for freedom of expression in the country.

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Azerbaijani oppositionist - who was arrested confused for his brother – sentenced to 6 years imprisonment