Azerbaijan

Despite the fact that over 90% of its population identifies as Muslim, today’s Azerbaijan has a complicated relationship with Islam−the government maintains tight control over its practice. Internews’ local partner produces shortwave radio and online content about the intersection of Islam and democracy, exploring issues such as tolerance toward other faiths, Turkey’s experience with Islam and democracy, and the place of women in Islam. News and views on religion and religious freedom are also posted online on Media Forum, along with opportunities to participate in online forums and debates. This programming is one of the few sources of independent information about these issues available to Azerbaijanis in their own language. Trainings led by Internews professionals and experienced trainers from other countries in the region help local journalists gain the skills they need to responsibly cover these and other sensitive issues in print, TV, and radio formats.