Norwegian Human Rights Activists: Suppression of Rights and Freedoms in Azerbaijan - Government Policy

The situation in Azerbaijan with violation of rights and freedoms shocks even experienced observers. The object of pressure by the authorities is journalists, opposition leaders, civil society activists and human rights defenders, including lawyers.

The strategy of the government is focused on suppressing critics and politically motivated prosecution. To achieve this, the government amended the law in 2009, limiting the right to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. As a result, civil society in the country has been destroyed. This is stated in the report by the Norwegian human rights organizations Human Rights House and Freedom Now released today.

The report set out an analysis of illegal arrests and prosecutions, and the international standards violated by the state. The repression on the eve of the European Games is aimed to stifle criticism of the Games.

In addition to violations of political rights, the authorities are trying to stifle criticism of government corruption. Therefore, the authorities are pursuing a policy to eliminate independent NGOs and the media.

During Eurovision 2012 the authorities failed to plug critical voices, so now they have decided to prevent a recurrence of the situation.

Currently, the most famous civil society leaders, youth activists and prominent journalists are imprisoned and accused of fictitious and fraudulent charges.

At the same time, the authorities are doing everything to prevent foreign donors to finance the country's civil society.

Despite the criticism from the European institutions, Baku openly violates its obligations and international law, the report said.

This multi-page document contains details of the most high-profile cases of political prisoners and their pursuit. The report also collected information on the legislative policy of the authorities and the international obligations of Azerbaijan. -02D-

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