It might sound like the beginning of a joke, but the answer is surprising. Third article in a special series: How has Eurovision influenced dramatic political events?
Nice to meet you, I’m Tal. As a student of communications and political science, the connection between politics and the Eurovision Song Contest has always intrigued me. And I know what you’re thinking – politics? Haven’t we had enough of it after Eurovision 2024? But wait, this is going to be much more surprising than it sounds!
While Eurovision typically symbolizes brotherhood and peace, for Azerbaijan and Armenia, their deep political conflict could not be ignored even in a song contest. This led to a police investigation of Azerbaijani citizens who “dared” to vote for the Armenian song in Eurovision 2009, suspected of treason against their homeland. How did a music contest reach a point where voting became a danger?
Historical Context of the Conflict
The conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia is a long-standing ethnic and political struggle that began with the end of the Soviet era, centering on control over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Despite attempts to resolve disputes, ongoing mistrust and tension persisted, ultimately manifesting in Eurovision editions where both countries participated. This article will focus on Eurovision 2009.
Eurovision 2009 – From Innocent Voting to Investigation Hub
In 2009, Inga & Anush represented Armenia at the Eurovision contest with the song “Jan Jan.” This performance seemingly resonated with some Azerbaijani citizens (43 in total), who did not hesitate to vote for the Armenian song. What would be interpreted as innocent voting elsewhere was far from routine in Azerbaijan.
After the voting results were announced, which included votes for Armenia from Azerbaijani audiences, the Azerbaijani government contacted mobile service providers and telecommunications companies demanding they identify the Azerbaijani voters who supported Armenia. Shortly thereafter, several individuals were summoned for questioning on charges of “treason” and “endangering national security.” The investigations included inquiries about the political views and national loyalty of the voters. The Azerbaijani government justified these drastic measures by claiming that voting for a rival nation constituted “anti-patriotic behavior,” sending a clear message to citizens—that they must adhere to the official national positions even in private entertainment events. Following these investigations, widespread public fear emerged regarding voting for “problematic” songs in future competitions.
International Backlash and Implications for Azerbaijani Citizens
The actions taken by authorities in Azerbaijan drew sharp international criticism from media outlets, human rights organizations, and European bodies that argued the Azerbaijani government crossed a line by suppressing freedom of speech. The scrutiny over voting proved far more dangerous than anyone could have imagined, revealing the tight control exerted by the government over its citizens’ conduct.
The European Broadcasting Union responded diplomatically, expressing its commitment to uphold “the spirit of Eurovision as a celebration of culture and freedom of expression.” However, the investigation instilled fear among many citizens in Eastern Europe, making it difficult for them to feel free to vote for their favorite songs.
Eurovision 2009 and its repercussions on Azerbaijani citizens highlighted how an ostensibly “innocent” song contest can exert powerful political pressures and become a focal point of national tension. What appears to be an entertaining singing contest occasionally serves as a stage for global struggles, with the story between Azerbaijan and Armenia illustrating how even simple voting can escalate into a profound political crisis.
Source: Rferl.
