The international human rights organization Freedom House published its report “Freedom in the World 2026: The Mounting Shadow of Autocracy” on March 19, noting that global freedom declined for the 20th consecutive year in 2025. Political rights and civil liberties worsened in 54 countries, while only 35 recorded improvements.

Armenia was included among partly free countries, scoring 54 out of 100: 23 out of 40 for political rights and 31 out of 60 for civil liberties. The report noted that Armenia’s score remained unchanged compared to the previous year. In terms of internet freedom, the country was classified as free with a score of 72, reports «Factor.am ».

Among neighboring countries, Georgia was also classified as partly free with 51 points, but declined from 55 the previous year. The report states that large-scale anti-government protests that began in 2024 continued into 2025, accompanied by disproportionate use of force and police mistreatment of demonstrators. Opponents of the ruling Georgian Dream party faced physical attacks, harassment, and new legislative restrictions that hindered political and civic participation.

Azerbaijan received 6 out of 100 and remained among not free countries, declining from 7 the previous year. The report noted that over the past 20 years, the country’s score has dropped from 33 to 6. It emphasized that since 2005, an authoritarian system has consolidated in Azerbaijan, centered around President Ilham Aliyev and his family.

It was recorded that after coming to power in 2003, Aliyev implemented constitutional changes that expanded presidential powers, removed term limits, and weakened legislative and judicial independence. In the absence of an independent judiciary and media, corruption has continued to spread, while state assets have been treated as sources of private wealth.

The report also noted that such authoritarian systems have used state institutions and resources to maintain political dominance, relying on patronage networks. The Aliyev family has used the state oil company as a tool of influence, granting lucrative contracts and positions to loyal businesses and individuals, who in return supported the authorities during elections.

It was also noted that public funds have been used to finance pro-government media to boost the authorities’ image and discredit the opposition. According to the report, when these mechanisms proved insufficient to suppress dissent, harsher measures were employed through security forces and the criminal justice system.

Although Azerbaijan has retained its “not free” status since 2002, its score has steadily declined over the past two decades.

The report rated Turkey at 32 points and Iran at 10, with both countries classified as not free.