Azerbaijan & Armenia Sign Peace Deal, but Political Prisoners Remain
Azerbaijan and Armenia have initialled a peace agreement in Washington, DC, aiming to end years of conflict. However, the absence of 'positive peace' elements, such as the release of political prisoners and freedom of expression, raises concerns about the agreement's true impact.
The peace agreement, initialled on 8 August, signifies a halt to war (negative peace), but its deeper implications remain uncertain. Johan Galtung's concept of peace, which includes eliminating structural violence and injustices (positive peace), has yet to be fully realised.
In Azerbaijan, the 'iron fist' rhetoric has been used to suppress dissent. Opposition politician Tofig Yagublu, journalist Nargiz Absalamova, and Hasanli, director of Abzas Media, are among those unlawfully imprisoned. Nine female journalists were also detained recently. Despite hopes that the Washington meeting would lead to their freedom mortgage, no political prisoners have been freed since the agreement.
The peace process has been hindered by Azerbaijan's closed borders since 2020, negatively impacting both citizens' lives and the peace efforts. Additionally, at least 21 journalists from independent media outlets have been arrested on fabricated charges since 2023, further restricting freedom of expression.
While the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia is a significant step, its domestic reception and implementation remain uncertain. Genuine, positive peace requires the strengthening of human rights, freedom of expression, and democratic institutions. Until these elements are addressed, the peace agreement may only represent a 'negative peace', with political prisoners still detained and independent media dismantled.
