Baku/20.02.19/Turan: The Elections Monitoring and Democracy Study Center (EMDSC) has distributed an assessment document on freedom of movement in Azerbaijan and politically motivated travel bans. The study was prepared based on observations in respect of 30 persons who are prohibited from going abroad. Among them, 18 journalists, 5 political activists, 4 lawyers and a human rights activist, 2 writers, one head of a civil society institution. The list includes journalists: Shahvalad Chobanoglu, Khadija Ismayilova, Natig Javadli, lawyers Intigam Aliyev, Annagi Hajibeyli, Asabali Mustafayev, politicians: Ilgar Mamedov, Azer Gasimly, writer: Rasim Garaj, Akram Aylisli, etc. The aim of the project was to inform the public, state bodies, international organizations about legal problems caused by targeted discriminatory use of travel bans. In conclusion, the study made recommendations.
In particular, it is proposed to define legislation on prior notification of persons who are imposed restrictions on leaving the country, as well as to establish a period for the prohibitions. It is also recommended not to use travel bans, as an instrument of political pressure, to apply restrictions in a democratic society. It is proposed to abolish the existing restrictions on activists and journalists. In addition, it is recommended to justify the refusals to issue passports, to execute the decisions of the ECHR regarding freedom of movement. It is proposed to eliminate the restrictions on the departure abroad of persons convicted conditionally. Courts applying restrictions should make reasonable arguments. It was recommended to eliminate the practice of refusal by the courts to consider complaints of travel restrictions.
* The Election Monitoring Center was established in 2001. Subsequently, in 2008, it was transformed into EMDSC. In February 2008, the authorities deprived this organization of state registration. However, until 2013, the organization monitored all elections in Azerbaijan. After the presidential election in 2013, the leadership of this NGO was arrested - Anar Mammadli and Bashir Suleymanli were accused of economic crimes and convicted. Subsequently they were released after international criticism. -06D-
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