Azerbaijani legal expert protests DW Documentary's biased view on Azerbaijan

Asaf Asgar, a legal expert in international law residing in Germany, has formally protested against a documentary produced by DW Documentary, a German public service broadcaster, which he believes unfairly targets Azerbaijan.

Asgar, who is a compatriot of Azerbaijan, sent a letter to the German television channels ARD and ZDF, urging them to reconsider the portrayal of Azerbaijan in the programme, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Thus, Asgar’s letter condemns the documentary titled "Armenia’s Struggle for Land and Identity in the Caucasus", accusing it of presenting a one-sided narrative filled with disinformation. The expert highlighted that the film heavily relied on sources from Armenia and its supporters, while neglecting crucial context and facts from Azerbaijan’s perspective.

He warned that such biased portrayals could fuel separatist movements, particularly at a time when both Azerbaijan and Armenia are engaged in delicate negotiations over a potential peace treaty. Asgar also raised serious concerns about the documentary’s failure to address significant historical and current issues, including the ongoing occupation of Azerbaijani territories, the Khojaly genocide, and the displacement of over one million Azerbaijani citizens due to the Karabakh conflict. 

Furthermore, he pointed out that the conflict had resulted in damages amounting to $100 billion for Azerbaijan. In his letter, Asgar underscored that Azerbaijan’s efforts to reclaim internationally recognized territories from Armenian occupation are based on the principles of justice. He reaffirmed that Armenia remains the occupying power, and the liberation of these territories is a legitimate and just cause. Asgar concluded his letter by demanding an apology from DW Documentary for airing the film, which he described as promoting an anti-Azerbaijani agenda.

By Naila Huseynova