Senate Democrat Ben Cardin criticizes Azerbaijan for fossil fuel defense, urges release of political prisoners before COP29.

Senate Foreign Relations Chair Ben Cardin of Maryland, a senior Senate Democrat, has criticized the host country of the upcoming U.N. climate summit, Azerbaijan, for its defense of fossil fuels and refusal to allow frank discussion of information and issues. He is urging Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev and his government to release political prisoners before the upcoming COP29 in Baku, which will begin in November. Cardin, who has led congressional delegations to previous COPs, suggested that hosting a major international conference like COP29 should include responsibility for freedom of speech and assembly. He also suggested that Azerbaijan should release activists protesting against poor labor practices and harmful environmental impacts of the Chovdar gold mine operation.