The former political prisoners call on the authorities to start real reforms

Human rights activists and former political prisoners Intigam Aliyev, Rasul Jafarov and Anar Mammadli  expressed  in a joint statement their deep concern about the crisis in the field of democracy and human rights in Azerbaijan, calling on the authorities for speedy political reforms.

While welcoming the release of 17 political prisoners last month, the authors note that dozens of journalists, bloggers, political activists and members of religious communities are still  in prison based on politically motivated charges.

The authors call on the government to hear appeals of local and international organizations and the release of all political prisoners, and to fulfill the CoE, the EU resolutions and others structures immediately begin systemic political reforms that eliminate the causes of political prisoners.

Restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and association  is a serious threat to democratic progress in Azerbaijan. Harassment of the media laws impeding the work of civil society and political parties  is a serious violation of international obligations by Azerbaijan, which is unacceptable for  country member of the  CE, the UN and the OSCE.

The authors regret that in recent years has weakened efforts for the European integration of Azerbaijan, the country refused the association's participation in the program "Eastern Partnership". The text of the new agreement on strategic partnership with the EU is hidden from the public. At the same time, independent groups and NGOs are forced out of participation in the Civil Society Forum of "Eastern Partnership".

Expressing concern at the problem of depending on the courts from the executive branch continuing over the years, the weakening of the legal profession, stricter punishment system, the authors call on the authorities to adopt an act of amnesty. The authors call on the government to respect the ECHR decisions on appeals of Azerbaijani citizens, and to comply with the obligation to implement them.

Noting the importance of addressing these issues, the authors express their willingness to cooperate with all interested parties. The country should take steps to eliminate tension in the relations between the citizen-state.

To do this, first of all,  it is necessary to release all political prisoners, improve  regulations that restrict the freedom of assembly, expression and association, initiate reforms to ensure the independence of the courts and the country should not abandon European integration,  reads the appeal.—06D—