"Azerbaijan's Propaganda and Disinformation in Places of Knowledge: The Case of the Gregoriana" di Carlo Coppola

«Ադրբեջանի քարոզչությունը և ապատեղեկատվությունը գիտելիքի վայրերում. Գրեգորյան համալսարանի դեպքը»: Կառլո Կոպպոլայի հոդված.

https://www.lafiaccola.it/wp/la-propaganda-azera-sbarca-alla-gregoriana/ "La propaganda azera sbarca alla Gregoriana" un articolo di Carlo Coppola su "La Fiaccola" diretto dall'avv. Paolo Scagliarini.

Rome, April 10, 2025 – Exactly one week before the start of the Easter Triduum, a conference dedicated to the so-called "Christians of Azerbaijan" was held at the Pontificia Università Gregoriana. A surprising topic, considering that in a country like Azerbaijan – where autocratic control oscillates between state atheism and financial interests linked to Islam – few were aware of the existence of a truly active Christian community.

Those who have long followed the dynamics of Caucasian geopolitics are well aware of Azerbaijan's methods of action in terms of international communication: disinformation, ad hoc conferences, manipulated articles, veiled threats and blackmail against dissidents, both within the country and abroad. Cases of critical Azerbaijani bloggers who have mysteriously disappeared, "flew down" from buildings in Turkey, Georgia, Russia and even Europe, or found drowned in the canals of the Netherlands are not rare.

The method is always the same: taking advantage of moments of public distraction – Christmas holidays, summer holidays or media crises – to spread fake news and pseudo-cultural initiatives. According to sources close to the Vatican, a conference similar to the one held yesterday had been in preparation for a month, but it was postponed so as not to coincide with the days in which the world was holding its breath for the health conditions of Pope Francis, hospitalized at Gemelli.

The Azerbaijani modus operandi is well-tested: generous financial offers to careless journalists, distorted historical narratives and, more recently, an unscrupulous use of artificial intelligence to package apparently credible content. Yet, for those who know how to read with a critical spirit and philological method – as Karl Lachmann taught – the signs of manipulation are always recognizable: in the languages ​​used, in the absent or falsified logos, in the images out of context, in the lack of dates or official sponsorships.

There is no shortage of examples. A few years ago, a falsified statement from the Municipality of Naples was released: a message of support for Armenia manipulated and relaunched as if it were a support for Azerbaijan, published on December 27, when public attention was elsewhere. The chaos unleashed among the Armenian communities was considerable. Nor should we forget the controversial publication in L’Osservatore Romano that attributed the Armenian monasteries of Artsakh to the civilization of the “Caucasian Albanians”, a historical figure completely mythologized in Azerbaijani propaganda.

In recent years, the plan has become even more refined: scholarships and access to research doctorates to promote surreal theses that rewrite Armenian cultural history, from Herodotus to the modern era, transforming historiography into storytelling at the service of the dynasty in power in Baku.

Today, the tension is palpable. Since the early hours of the morning, I have received numerous messages from Armenian friends (and not only) indignant with the Vatican for hosting such an event. A profound indignation, which goes beyond simple intellectual criticism.

It should also be remembered that, in recent months, a book was published insinuating that the attack against John Paul II was the work of Armenian terrorists. A very serious accusation, without foundation, which throws further fuel on the fire at a time of strong international instability.

It is desirable – and would be desired by many – that all Armenian authorities, at every level and sector, formally ask the Azerbaijani government not to involve the cultural and political institutions of other countries in their propaganda strategy. The defense of honor and historical truth is never too bold, when the dignity of an entire people is at stake.