In response to the brutal attack on Azerbaijani journalist and human
rights activist Ilgar Nasibov, Freedom House issued the following statement:
“The horrific physical assault on Ilgar Nasibov, a journalist, is the latest trauma in a rapidly and radically deteriorating human rights situation in Azerbaijan," said David J. Kramer, president of Freedom House.
"The Government of Azerbaijan seems determined to intimidate human rights activists and any critic of its actions, whether by arrest on false charges or beating, as has happened August 21 to Nasibov. President Ilham Aliyev is entirely wrong if he believes his government can go after its critics without consequences while the world’s attention is focused on other hot spots."
"He and his government should be held responsible for the dangerous and hostile environment they are promoting," Kramer said. "The United States and the European Union should consider sanctions against officials who authorize and carry out these horrific abuses.”
Azerbaijan is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2014, Not Free in Freedom of the Press 2014 and Partly Free in Freedom on the Net 2013. -02D-
Politics
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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence that the visit of the President of Somalia to Baku "will open a new page in the close friendly relations" between the two countries. In a press statement after the negotiations, Aliyev noted that the leaders of both countries discussed the geopolitical situation in their regions and confirmed mutual support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan and Somalia, as well as a common stance in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
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Russia is not discussing the possibility of delivering Azerbaijani gas to the EU through Ukraine's gas transportation system, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated on Wednesday. "It is not being discussed," he said.
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On February 12, the Baku Appeals Court rejected the appeal to transfer journalist Ramin Djebrailzade (Deko) to house arrest, according to his lawyer Nemat Kerimli. The defense considers this decision unjustified, as no investigative actions have been conducted regarding Deko, who was arrested in connection with the Meydan TV case. The journalist denies the charge of currency smuggling. Representatives of the investigating authorities were unavailable for comment.
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The "Union for the Freedom of Political Prisoners of Azerbaijan" has published an updated list of political prisoners, which includes 357 names. Compared to the previous list from December 12 last year, the number of political prisoners has increased by 26 individuals. Among them are journalists Farid Ismayilov, Shamshad Agha, Shahnaz Beylergizi, and 13 arrested during the unrest in Imishli, among others.
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