Tofiq Yaqublu, an Azerbaijani opposition leader, has been sentenced to over four years in prison on charges of hooliganism, which he claims are bogus. In protest, he started a hunger strike demanding the reversal of his sentence. Azerbaijan, under President Ilham Aliyev, has been criticized for its lack of political freedoms and independent judiciary, and the pandemic has been used to crack down on dissent. Yaqublu has been imprisoned nearly 40 times since 1998, often for his opposition activities. Despite personal and family hardships, including the imprisonment of his daughters and the death of one, Yaqublu remains steadfast in his fight for justice. An online campaign for his release is gaining traction as his health deteriorates on the 10th day of his hunger strike. The court is expected to hear his appeal soon.

The article discusses the Polish government's attempts to exert control over the media, particularly through the acquisition of Polska Press by the state-controlled oil refinery PKN Orlen. Despite a Warsaw court blocking the deal, PKN Orlen's CEO Daniel Obajtek insisted the acquisition was legally binding. The ruling party, Law and Justice (PiS), is accused of trying to nationalize private media, a strategy that mirrors actions taken by Hungarian leader Viktor Orban. The article cites concerns from media professionals and watchdogs about the increasing legal challenges and financial pressures faced by independent media outlets in Poland. The government, however, denies any intention to nationalize the media, framing the acquisition as a financial rescue. The article highlights the broader implications for press freedom and the potential for Poland's media landscape to resemble Hungary's, where few independent outlets remain.

The recent war in Nagorno-Karabakh has shaken the inhabitants of the Caucasus, stirring various, often conflicting hopes and ambitions. The region, approximately half the size of Poland, is home to nearly 70 national groups, three countries, three systems, several unrecognized para-state enclaves, and a multitude of disputes and historical grievances. Analyst and journalist Anna Żamejć emphasizes that contrary to Western myths, religion is not a major dividing factor among the residents. Adam Balcer notes that Russia has lost its undisputed control over the Caucasus since the Soviet Union's collapse but has not reconciled with this change. Georgians look to the West, expressing a desire to integrate with the EU and NATO, while Armenians, disappointed with the West, lean towards Moscow. Azerbaijanis favor Turkey, which is ready to treat the region as a field of competition or confrontation with the Kremlin. Iran, currently 'punching below its weight class,' cannot be overlooked, as its influence may not always remain limited.

The parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan have disappointed many who hoped for fairer processes, as preliminary results indicate the ruling New Azerbaijan Party's (YAP) uncontested victory. Despite announced reforms, the elections were marred by violations such as carousel voting, intimidation of independent observers, and ballot stuffing. The opposition, including the Republican Alternative (REAL), faced an uneven race, with only one opposition politician likely to enter the 125-member parliament. International observers and local activists expressed disillusionment, with genuine turnout estimated at around 20%, significantly lower than the official 47%. The elections were seen as a litmus test for the government's intentions and the direction of declared changes, but the results suggest a continuation of the status quo. The lack of democratic standards in Azerbaijan's elections has implications for the region, with concerns about the country's distancing from European values and potential increases in social tensions.

The article reports on a series of racist and xenophobic incidents in Bialystok, Poland, targeting the city's non-Slavic minorities. Local prosecutor Dawid Roszkowski dismissed charges against vandals who painted a swastika, referring to it as an Asian 'symbol of luck.' The violence includes assaults on a black radio and TV host, a Polish-Indian couple, and Chechen families. The incidents are linked to the 'ultras' of the local soccer club, Jagiellonia, and suggest a growing acceptance of far-right ideologies in Poland. Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Interior Minister Bartlomiej Sienkiewicz have condemned the attacks and prioritized cracking down on skinheads. The article also touches on the historical context of Bialystok's once diverse population and the current political climate influenced by far-right parties in Europe. Despite public statements against racism, local organizations like Children of Bialystok continue to promote xenophobia, with the soccer team's involvement in local politics and funding raising concerns.

Olga Tokarczuk, a renowned Polish writer, discusses the political role of writers in society, emphasizing their ability to influence and awaken consciousness, especially in authoritarian systems. She believes quality literature is inherently political, excluding genres like romance or pulp fiction. Tokarczuk also comments on the financial aspects of a literary career in Poland, noting that while it's possible to live off writing, the earnings aren't substantial. She praises Western European countries like Germany and Ireland for their support of writers through scholarships and tax policies. Additionally, Tokarczuk addresses the complex relationship between Poland and Russia, highlighting the difference between personal and political ties, and the lack of a strong civil society in Russia. She also reflects on the recent outpouring of sympathy from Russia following the plane crash that killed President Lech Kaczynski and other Polish officials.