Question of political prisoners testifies to the crisis in Azerbaijan-West relations

The arrest of innocent people on false accusations has become common. Fair trial has become impossible in the country. The punishment of lawyers who protest against torture in temporary detention cells, sentences that courts pass by order, as well as other similar lawlessness, indicates a serious legal crisis in society.

Communication between the Council of Europe and the government of Azerbaijan has taken place more than once. At different times, rapporteurs were appointed on the issue of political prisoners, reports were being prepared. However, the problem of political prisoners did not find any solution; on the contrary, in comparison with previous years, it became even more complicated.

Despite the fact that for more than 25 years the Azerbaijani authorities continue politically motivated arrests, they continue to assure international structures that there is no problem of political prisoners. The government officials say that they are arrested in Azerbaijan for specific crimes, and are not considered political prisoners. International structures are forced by various means to keep silence. There is even a threat that Azerbaijan can leave the CE membership.

On 22 April this year, the Council of Europe announced the results of a corruption investigation lasting more than 10 months. The 219-page report claimed that some members of the PACE admitted violation of ethical standards in relation to Azerbaijan.

The observers considered it not accidental that during the PACE session in 2013 the report prepared by the German deputy Christopher Strasser on political prisoners in Azerbaijan was rejected. The names of the members of the Azerbaijani delegation have been repeatedly inclined in connection with allegations of corruption, bribes, "caviar diplomacy".

The situation with freedom of speech and expression in the country is very difficult. In all authoritative reports, Azerbaijan is among the non-free countries. The authorities are concerned that in the event of reforms in the political and economic direction, they will completely lose their political support. They are afraid that if political prisoners are freed, political activity in the society may increase, democratic processes may begin.

An important role in the return of the issue of political prisoners to the agenda play persistent appeals, reports of authoritative international organizations. It is no coincidence that two months ago, 24 PACE deputies proposed the appointment of a new rapporteur on political prisoners in Azerbaijan and preparation of reports on this issue.

Finally, according to the decision of the CE Committee on Law and Human Rights, a deputy from Iceland, Torhild Sunna Evarsdottir, was appointed as the new rapporteur, who will prepare the report "Political Prisoners in Azerbaijan".

The appointment of a rapporteur on political prisoners in Azerbaijan at the PACE summer session is a positive fact. This procedure, even if it does not seriously solve the problem of political prisoners, will be considered significant in terms of increasing international attention.

In terms of respect for human rights and freedoms, the psychological impact of this step on the power structures cannot be ruled out. The authorities of Azerbaijan, although they do not pay attention to international pressure on the issue of political prisoners, including some of the recommendations of the European Court, in general, sooner or later, they will be forced to take action in connection with these facts.

To fully address the problem of political prisoners in Azerbaijan, all authoritative international organizations will have to make serious efforts. Recent processes show the scenario of the political prisoners' case is developing in this direction. And this happens when the system of social and political relations in Azerbaijan enters a crisis period difficult for the authorities.