ISBR condemns approval of reactionary amendments to legislation

Institute for Reporters Freedom and Safety (IRFS) condemned the approval by the President of Azerbaijan the  amendments to legislation restricting the activities of independent NGOs and threatening  their existence.

 
The head of state approved the amendments to the laws "On NGOs, Associations and Foundations," "On Grants", "Freedom of Religion" and the Code of Administrative Offences of Azerbaijan (CAO) aimed at tightening  financial controls over the activities of civil society .
 
The amendments provide new fines of 500 manat to 15,000 for not providing information about grant agreement  by the NGO, receipt of donations and other aid without the grant agreements, receiving donations in cash. The funds, which are objects of the offense, will be confiscated.
 
IRFS regarded innovation as the next step in the repression against civil society, what would   reinforce the image of Azerbaijan as a "non-free country." They will prevent the realization of the rights and freedoms of assembly and association guaranteed by the Constitution of Azerbaijan, and Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
 
IRFS calls on international organizations, in particular the Council of Europe and the OSCE to put pressure on the authorities to respect their obligations.
 
Earlier, many appeals calling not to sign  such reactionary amendments were sent to the president. --06D-
 

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