Queer TikToker detained on charges of “propaganda of immorality”

On January 27, queer TikToker Salman Mammadov was detained in Azerbaijan.

His detention came amid new changes to the law on “propaganda of immorality” and was justified by the fact that sharing on social networks is considered “petty hooliganism.”

According to Qafqazinfo, Salman Mammadov was accused of sharing information prohibited from being disseminated on Internet information resources. Salman Mammadov runs the “Velizarofficial” page on the TikTok platform, and his live broadcasts have attracted approximately 80,000 users.

The incident occurred shortly after the amendments to the Law on Information, which were officially adopted on January 26. According to the law, individuals who openly demonstrate disrespect in society, insult public morality and national values, or use unethical expressions, can be held administratively liable.

After news of the detention spread on social media, some users expressed regret, recalling that Salman Mammadov was engaged in charity work and helped sick people and children. LGBTQI+ activist Ali Malikov, speaking to the OC-Media, said that there was nothing illegal in Mammadov's posts and that it is questionable who defines the concept of "public morality" and by what criteria.

On January 28, the Press Council of Azerbaijan issued a statement claiming that "swearing, insults, immoral behavior and hate speech" are widespread on the TikTok and YouTube platforms, and that this increases aggression in society. The Council did not clarify the concept of "national and moral values."

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