Helsinki Commission of United States Holds Hearings on Azerbaijan

Washington D.C. / 10.05.18 / Turan: Yesterday, the Helsinki Commission of the US Congress held hearings on the elections in Azerbaijan and the situation in the country based on fundamental freedoms.

As noted by the political adviser of the Commission Everett Price, the Azerbaijani authorities changed the Constitution to legitimize their authority until 2025.

On the eve of the elections, the authorities blocked a number of independent websites and arrested journalists. The prison also contains the opposition leader Ilgar Mammadov, contrary to the ECHR decision on his case.

During the hearings reports were made by the historian Audrey Alstadt, the director of Meydan TV Emin Milli, and the executive director of Freedom Now Maran Torner.

University of Massachusetts professor Audrey Alstadt said that Azerbaijan is increasingly moving away from democracy. In recent years, this process has intensified.

According to Torner, the Council of Europe launched a special procedure in connection with the failure of Azerbaijan to implement the ECHR decision, which is an unprecedented case in the CE practice. This can result in sanctions against Azerbaijan until the country is excluded from the organization.

The director of Meydan TV Emin Milli accused the authorities of falsifying elections, torturing and kidnapping people abroad.

At the same time, due to the money stolen from the people, the authorities bribe Western politicians who turn a blind eye to human rights violations, he said.

Then a question-and-answer session took place. -16D06--