Day: September 23, 2025

The oily hypocrisy of Ilham Aliyev – Google Search  google.com/search?q=The+oily…
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The “oily hypocrisy” of Ilham Aliyev refers to the widespread criticism that his oil and gas-fueled government engages in corruption and human rights abuses while projecting a public image of progress and hosting major international events. Critics point to specific examples, including his controversial comments at the COP29 climate summit and the use of oil wealth to silence dissent. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
“Oily” connections to fossil fuels and wealth

Controversial COP29 speech: While hosting the COP29 climate conference in November 2024, Aliyev declared oil and gas a “gift from God,” defending fossil fuels and accusing Western nations of hypocrisy for their dependency on his country’s energy while criticizing its environmental record. His remarks drew strong condemnation from climate advocates and contrasted sharply with the conference’s official goals.
Corruption and personal enrichment: Investigations like the Pandora Papers and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) have revealed that Aliyev’s family and associates have secretly amassed vast wealth through offshore networks and control over lucrative industries, including the country’s oil and gas sectors. These schemes have allegedly siphoned billions from state coffers for personal gain.
Influence peddling (“Caviar diplomacy”): The Azerbaijani government has used its oil wealth for extensive lobbying, including a scheme known as “caviar diplomacy.” This involved using slush funds to pay off European politicians and deflect international criticism of human rights abuses.
Use of energy as a geopolitical tool: Azerbaijan’s role as a major gas supplier to Europe has strengthened its geopolitical position, allowing the Aliyev regime to leverage its energy resources while facing limited consequences for its authoritarian practices. [1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13]

“Hypocrisy” in governance and human rights

Stifling dissent: The Aliyev regime is widely criticized for suppressing free speech and silencing critics, including journalists, activists, and opposition figures.

Independent journalists, such as those from Abzas Media who investigated corruption, have faced arrest and politically motivated charges.
.Amnesty International has highlighted an escalating crackdown on freedom of expression ahead of recent elections, with the government harassing the families of state critics
Rigged elections: Aliyev’s rise to power in 2003 was marred by irregularities, and a 2009 referendum eliminated presidential term limits, effectively allowing him to rule indefinitely. His wife was appointed Vice President, consolidating power within the family.

.Ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh:Following Azerbaijan’s offensive to retake the Nagorno-Karabakh region in 2023, more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled their homes. Human Rights Watch characterized the displacement as ethnic cleansing, which occurred despite international warnings
Response to international criticism: Aliyev has rejected international criticism of his human rights record as a form of “political hypocrisy.” When U.S. lawmakers called for the release of political prisoners, Aliyev called their appeal “disgusting”. [2, 4, 7, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17]
AI responses may include mistakes.
[1]  aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/1…

[2]  rferl.org/a/azerbaijan-us-ri…

[3]  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilham_…
[4]  hrf.org/latest/azerbaijans-a…
[5]  en.apa.az/official-news/pres…
[6]  asbarez.com/at-cop29-aliyev-…
[7]  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilham_…
[8]  bbc.com/news/articles/cpqd1r…
[9]  thecaliforniacourier.com/ali…
[10]  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrup…
[11]  occrp.org/en/investigation/b…
[12]  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrup…
[13]  icij.org/investigations/pana…
[14]  hrw.org/world-report/2024/co…
[15]  humanrightsnetwork.org/blog/…
[16]  amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2…
[17]  rferl.org/a/azerbaijan-us-ri…
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— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 23, 2025

Mixing of Azeri and Russian oil to avoid sanctions – Google Search  google.com/search?q=Mixing+o…
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“Sanctions hypocrisy: G7+ imports EUR 1.8 bn of Turkish oil products made from Russian crude – …”
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Reports suggest that Russian crude oil is being transported, processed, and exported via Azerbaijan to circumvent international sanctions. European countries have purchased fuel products from Azerbaijani refineries, though the raw material was primarily Russian crude. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
The process of Russian oil blending and rebranding

Russian oil imports to Azerbaijan: Since Western nations, including the UK and EU, imposed sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine, Azerbaijan has significantly increased its import of Russian crude oil.
Refining in Turkey: The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) refines Russian crude at its STAR refinery in Turkey. The refinery was built with the capacity to process different types of oil, including Russia’s Urals crude.
Mixing and rebranding: Once refined, the oil products are mixed with Azerbaijani crude. By transforming Russian crude into new products, its origin is obscured. The refined fuel is then exported from Turkey to international markets, including the European Union.
Tanker transport: The Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) is reportedly involved in transporting Russian crude via its tankers to the STAR refinery. The UK sanctioned an ASCO-owned tanker, the Zangezur, in May 2025 for its role in the “shadow” delivery of Russian oil. [1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]

International response and ongoing challenges

UK and EU sanctions: In September 2025, the EU confirmed that the STAR refinery would be subject to sanctions under its 18th sanctions package. The UK has also targeted Azerbaijani entities, including the oil trading company Coral Energy Group, over ties to Russia’s oil trade. In June 2025, the EU announced a proposal to ban imports of refined products made from Russian crude in third countries, which is intended to close this specific sanctions loophole.
Market impact: Despite these measures, enforcement has been challenging. The use of a “shadow fleet” of tankers operating outside of normal regulations continues to facilitate the trade.
Azerbaijan’s position: Critics accuse Azerbaijan of conducting a geopolitical “balancing act”—maintaining its status as a Western energy partner while enabling Russia’s shadow oil trade for profit. European countries that rely on Azerbaijani oil are placed in a complex and diplomatically delicate position. [2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12]

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1]  oc-media.org/eu-sanctions-qu…
[2]  armenianweekly.com/2024/10/0…
[3]  business-humanrights.org/my/…
[4]  crudeaccountability.org/bala…
[5]  jam-news.net/shadow-russian-…
[6]  facebook.com/armeniannationa…
[7]  report.az/en/energy/azerbaij…
[8]  interfax.com/newsroom/top-st…
[9]  eurasianet.org/azerbaijans-s…
[10]  reuters.com/sustainability/c…
[11]  bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
[12]  spglobal.com/commodity-insig…

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 23, 2025