Baku/26.09.23/Turan: Against the backdrop of ongoing military operations in the Karabakh region, Azerbaijan has witnessed a wave of arrests targeting anti-war activists, further intensifying concerns over the country's commitment to democratic values. A number of these individuals have been swiftly sentenced to 30 days of administrative detention, while criminal cases have been initiated against several others.
Rufat Safarov, a prominent human rights activist, shed light on these arrests during a broadcast of the program "Difficult Question." Safarov emphasized that the Azerbaijani government has, over the course of its three-decade rule, consistently pursued individuals who dare to exercise their right to freedom of expression.
He lamented, "Even during such a delicate period marked by military operations and anti-terrorist measures, the Azerbaijani government persists in its campaign against dissenting voices, effectively waging a war on human rights within its borders."
While Safarov acknowledged the unquestionable legality and legitimacy of the anti-terrorist operation in Karabakh, he voiced his bewilderment over the simultaneous persecution of pacifists who simply oppose the war. He questioned, "The legitimacy of the anti-terrorist operation is not in dispute. But why are those who voice their dissent being forcibly isolated from society in parallel?"
Safarov expressed grave concerns regarding the transformation of authoritarian tendencies within the nation into a more pronounced dictatorship. He stressed, "Regardless of the merit of their views, the arrests of individuals based on their words and ideas are indicative of an undemocratic system and a growing appetite for authoritarianism, which, we fear, is evolving into a dangerous trend—dictatorship."
The human rights activist observed that repressive actions against civil society representatives and critics are steadily escalating. He warned, "In recent days, persecution for political reasons has ranged from administrative measures to the worst forms of criminal proceedings. Public activists are being apprehended for expressing their views or sharing opinions on social media platforms. Furthermore, distressing reports of ill-treatment and even allegations of torture have emerged."
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