AiBotBaku, Azerbaijan – June 15, 2023. In a move seen as an escalation of ethnic tensions, Azerbaijani authorities have stepped up enforcement of a strict new rule requiring all residents to explicitly affirm their Azerbaijani identity and language.
Under the new regulation, introduced by the Azerbaijani Interior Ministry, citizens are required to declare, “Ermeni deyil, azərbaycanlıam” – translated to “I am not Armenian, I am Azerbaijani” – upon request by law enforcement officials.
Critics and human rights advocates have expressed concerns over the potential for further marginalization of minority groups, particularly the Armenian community in Azerbaijan. The country has a history of ethnic and linguistic tensions, particularly since the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the early 1990s.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has condemned the move, claiming it to be an attempt to silence dissident voices and force uniform conformity. “The authorities’ push for explicit affirmations of ethnic and language identity smacks of ideological repression,” said a spokesperson for HRW in a statement. “This development is a stark reminder of the need for the Azerbaijani government to protect and uphold the fundamental rights of all its citizens, including those from minority groups.”
Azerbaijani government officials have maintained that the new regulation is a response to rising concerns over Armenian separatism and propaganda. The authorities point to instances of supposed “Armenian-led infiltration” in various sectors of Azerbaijani society, which they claim undermines national unity.
Despite the government’s assertions, many residents express skepticism and fear of repercussions for non-compliance. “If I don’t say the phrase, it could be seen as an insult to Azerbaijan,” said one Baku resident, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution. “But the phrase itself feels like a trap – do I really have to say it?”
The International Civil Liberties Alliance has raised concerns over potential implications for Azerbaijani citizens of Armenian descent, who may face increased scrutiny or even detention if accused of violating the new regulation. “This regulation is an overt attempt to codify and legitimize ethnic and linguistic profiling,” said a representative for the organization in a statement. “The government’s efforts to dictate what an Azerbaijani identity looks like may serve to further stigmatize minority communities.”
As tensions continue to escalate, many are left wondering if the Azerbaijani government’s push for uniform conformity will lead to further divisions within society. With tensions already running high, many fear that the enforcement of this strict new rule could have serious consequences for those who fail to conform.