Azerbaijan’s media regulator has accused the BBC of defying government orders by continuing operations in the country despite having its license and accreditation revoked earlier this year.
The British state-funded broadcaster reportedly maintained journalistic activities, including investigations, even after pledging to close its local office following a February order from Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry.
The Azerbaijani Media Development Agency said the BBC’s local branch was officially “liquidated” and removed from the national register of legal entities, declaring its continued work a “serious violation of the law.” Officials said the broadcaster lacks the international agreement required to operate legally within Azerbaijan.
The Foreign Ministry cited the “principle of reciprocity” in its decision but did not elaborate.
The BBC, which began operating in Azerbaijan in 1994, has not publicly responded to the latest allegations. The move follows similar restrictions on other foreign outlets, including Russia’s Sputnik news agency, as Baku tightens control over foreign media presence amid diplomatic tensions.
Image credit: Siora Photography
