Azerbaijani Authorities Lose another Case at ECHR
The European Court of Human Rights today announced the decision on the complaint from the opposition member Aydin Shukurov against the government of Azerbaijan. The ECHR found a violation of his rights in parliamentary elections in 2010 and decided that he should be paid compensation of EUR 10,000 and EUR 1,000 of the court costs.
At the ECHR Shukurov was represented by a lawyer and human rights defender Intigam Aliyev.
In an interview with Turan Aliyev said Shukurov as a member of the Classic Popular Front Party ran for the 125th Zangilan-Gubadli district. Shukurov said that during the elections there were mass violations and falsifications. However, the CEC rejected his complaint. Further appeals to the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court were not satisfied either.
The ECHR concluded that the complaints were not investigated effectively.
In addition, the ECHR regarded as a violation of the right of individual defense the seizure of materials on the Shukurov case during the search in Intigam Aliyev’s office on August 8th.
The ECHR found a violation of Shukurov’s rights under Article 3 of Protocol № 1 (right to free elections), Article 13 (right to an effective legal aid) and 34 (right to individual petition).
It is interesting that the Azerbaijani government asked the ECHR in determining the size of the monetary compensation to take into account the devaluation of the national currency. However, the Court decided to apply the rate at the time of the complaint, rather than at the time of the decision.
This is the 37th decision of the ECHR issued on complaints of the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan in 2010. -06B--
Politics
-
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova has decided to unilaterally terminate the Moldovan-Russian agreement from 1998 on the creation and operation of cultural centers.
-
By the order of the head of state, Rufat Mahmud has been appointed the new head of the historical and architectural reserve "Icheri Sheher" – the historic center of Baku.
-
On February 13, the Appeal Court did not satisfy the defense's appeal against the decision of the Khatai Court regarding the arrest of journalist Shahnaz Beylargizi. According to the lawyer, the journalist herself did not participate in the trial due to poor health. The defense intends to submit a petition to replace the arrest with house arrest.
-
Azerbaijan will limit 'Sputnik Azerbaijan' and 'BBC News Azərbaycanca' editorial offices. This was reported by the country's pro-government media on 13 February, citing an informed source.
Leave a review