US lawmaker alleges Azerbaijani government-orchestrated attack at COP29

U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, a Democrat from New Jersey, reported narrowly escaping an assault during the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, in what he described as an incident orchestrated by the host government.

“It was no question that if it wasn’t for the fact that security that the embassy hired protected me, I would have been in the hospital,” Pallone told reporters on Monday upon his return to the United States.

Pallone, a vocal supporter of Armenia, alleged that the confrontation began with hostile and coordinated questioning from local media during the conference. “It was sort of like an exercise in what despots do,” he said, accusing Azerbaijani authorities of orchestrating the incident. “In Azerbaijan, there is no free media. The media is totally controlled by the state.”

According to Pallone, tensions escalated when about 50 individuals he described as “thugs” gathered outside his hotel. He claimed local police refused to provide assistance, leaving U.S. embassy-hired security to shield him. “It was clear that they wanted to assault me,” he stated.

The U.S. State Department expressed disappointment in Azerbaijan’s handling of the situation. “We are disappointed that Azerbaijan failed in its responsibility to separate protestors from conference delegates,” a spokesperson said, emphasizing that all host countries must ensure the safety of international visitors.

Pallone further noted that he was excluded from a meeting between the U.S. congressional delegation and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Other lawmakers, however, relayed his concerns during the session.

Senator Ed Markey, a fellow Democrat and leading climate advocate, recounted facing harassment himself while attending COP29, although he described Pallone’s experience as more severe. “We can’t just allow these authoritarian petrostates to ignore both the human rights and the climate threats that have to be addressed in a comprehensive way,” Markey said.

Markey accused Azerbaijan of “greenwashing” its record on climate and human rights by hosting the global summit. He also called on the country to release political prisoners and engage in good-faith negotiations with Armenia, referencing the recent conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

The incident has drawn further scrutiny of Azerbaijan’s human rights practices. A letter published Monday by the Council of Europe commissioner for human rights accused Azerbaijan of imprisoning activists and journalists for their opposition and work.

The controversy surrounding COP29 intensified after Aliyev used his platform last week to criticize France, the Netherlands, and the European Union, escalating tensions with Western nations.

The U.S. lawmakers’ accounts and the subsequent diplomatic fallout underscore ongoing concerns over human rights and freedom of expression in Azerbaijan, particularly as it positions itself on the global stage.