Controversy Surrounds COP29 as Azerbaijan Hosts Climate Talks Amid Oil Interests

Human rights groups have raised concerns about Azerbaijan's crackdown on environmental activists and political opponents as it hosts COP29. This marks the third consecutive year a host country of the climate summit has faced such accusations. Critics argue that Azerbaijan's actions undermine civil society's role in climate progress, with over 300 political prisoners reported. Calls have been made to review the selection process for host countries, emphasizing the need for human rights protections. The Azerbaijani government denies these allegations, asserting no political prisoners exist.