Friday Wrap-up: exposed network, activist in hunger strike and COP29 security precautions

Published: 1 November 2024 18:25

This week saw an uncovered network of fake social media accounts promoting COP29, an activist on hunger strike now unable to walk after losing 36kg, and European delegates attending COP29 will take extra security measures against data stealing.

Network manipulating COP29 discourse exposed

A network of fake social media accounts promoting Azerbaijan’s hosting of the upcoming COP29 climate summit has been uncovered by the watchdog group Global Witness. These accounts, primarily using hashtags like #COP29 and #COP29Azerbaijan, have been identified as part of a broader strategy to manipulate online discussions ahead of the significant environmental event.

Global Witness discovered 71 suspicious accounts on platform X, most created after July, following criticisms of Azerbaijan’s role in the conflict with Armenia. By September, the narrative shifted, with all top posts promoting the official COP29 agenda in Azerbaijan. Ava Li from Global Witness highlighted the critical need for genuine discussions on climate emergencies, expressing concerns over the replacement of substantial criticism with superficial positivity by these dubious accounts.

The exposure of these accounts follows a history of similar manipulations noted during COP28 and other global events, pointing to a persistent pattern of online influence and misinformation campaigns surrounding major international discussions on climate policy. Platform X has taken action against most of these accounts, emphasizing ongoing efforts to curb coordinated inauthentic behavior.

Disabled activist continues hunger strike in Azerbaijan jail

Disabled activist Famil Khalilov continues his hunger strike at the Baku Investigation Detention Center, despite severe health deterioration, including paralysis of his legs and significant weight loss.

Khalilov, who has been imprisoned since May 2, 2023, on charges of possessing 13.736 grams of methamphetamine, claims the accusations are fabricated, attributing his arrest to his outspoken criticism of government injustices on social media. His wife, Kichikhanim Khalilova, reports that since starting the hunger strike on August 15, Khalilov has lost 36 kilograms and is now unable to walk and suffers from severe pain.

Kichikhanim, who is allowed to visit twice a week to assist with his care due to his disability, emphasizes her husband’s resolve to continue the hunger strike despite his critical condition, protesting his wrongful detention. The trial for Khalilov, previously denied asylum in Sweden and deported back to Azerbaijan, has been postponed until after the COP29 international climate conference in Baku, with the next court session scheduled for November 28. The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of political repression in Azerbaijan, where several activists are facing similar charges and delayed trials.

COP29 delegates to use burner phones amid security fears

European delegates attending the upcoming COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan will be provided with burner phones and laptops for one-time use due to security concerns about potential data theft. Michael Bloss, a member of the European Parliament and environmental activist, highlighted the advisory given to delegates to use these simple devices as a precaution against the possibility of their information being stolen while in Baku.

Bloss expressed concerns, stating, “Security advisors warned us about the potential for our devices to be hacked. This precaution is based on personal experiences of repression observed in the region. Even as members of the European Parliament, we cannot communicate freely without fear of government surveillance.” This measure reflects growing apprehensions among European officials and NGO representatives about attending the summit in Azerbaijan, a sentiment that Frank Schwabe, head of the German delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, echoed. He noted that this is the first time people have expressed fear about attending a COP event, contrasting with previous summits in Egypt and the UAE.

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will take place from November 11 to 22 in Azerbaijan, marking a significant international event hosted in a country currently scrutinized for its human rights and freedom of expression issues.