Sevindj Vagifgyzy, Natiq Javadly, Khalid Agaliev. Screenshot from Meydan.TV video, http://old.agxeber.com/xeberlenti/562-jurnalist-natiq-kavadl-dindirilib.html, musavat.com. Collage made by the Caucasian Knot

20 July 2021, 11:11

Use of spyware by authorities worries Azerbaijani activists

There is no surprise in shadowing journalists and human rights defenders, but the introduction of spyware into smartphones raises concerns, journalists and rights defenders have noted.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that rights defenders and journalists found out that authorities of a number of countries used the spyware designed by the Israeli "NSO Group" Company in order to shadow journalists and politicians. Among those who were wiretapped were Azerbaijani journalists Khadija Ismayilova and Sevindj Vagifgyzy.

Ms Vagifgyzy told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that she learned about this investigation back in June.

According to her story, the specified espionage activity was a severe blow to journalists' professional work. "Citizens often contacted us, providing important information, but asked not to name them. We promised to keep their confidentiality. But now it turns out that we failed to do it. Through the spyware, information about our contacts became known, as well as our location, and our video filming. That is, the state, which is obliged to protect our personal and family life, has itself violated it," Sevindj Vagifgyzy has stated.

Tezekhan Miralamli, a member of the NGO "Defence Line", has noted that he was not surprised by the publicized facts.

"Shadowing and interference in one's personal life is a common practice in authoritarian regimes," Mr Miralamli told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

At the same time, the activist believes that the use of the spyware is an interference with privacy, and a violation of the privacy of correspondence; therefore the victims can file a complaint with law enforcement bodies. "True, not a single fact of interference in the private life of critics of the authorities and their family members has been investigated in Azerbaijan. But at least the refusal to investigate will allow initiating lawsuits and ultimately appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR)," Tezekhan Miralamli has concluded.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on July 20, 2021 at 05:12 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

Author: Faik Medzhid Source: CK correspondent

Комментирование через Кавказский узел
All news
НАСТОЯЩИЙ МАТЕРИАЛ (ИНФОРМАЦИЯ) ПРОИЗВЕДЕН И РАСПРОСТРАНЕН ИНОСТРАННЫМ АГЕНТОМ ООО “МЕМО”, ЛИБО КАСАЕТСЯ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ ИНОСТРАННОГО АГЕНТА ООО “МЕМО”.

March 17, 2025 21:56

March 17, 2025 21:43

March 16, 2025 20:47

  • Analysts assess Dagestani head’s statement on appeals of SMO fighters

    The appeals of the participants of the special military operation (SMO) in Ukraine from Dagestan to republic’s authorities are caused by many local problems and remain one of the ways to attract officials’ attention. Despite the statement by the head of Dagestan, Sergey Melikov, that the combatants record their appeals as a result of "manipulations," he will have to respond to them, analysts believe.

March 15, 2025 23:57

March 15, 2025 23:18

News archive
Пн
Вт
Ср
Чт
Пт
Сб
Вс
24
25
26
27
28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6