The “Musavat” party demands an end to political repression in the country

Baku/04.12.23/Turan: "The Musavat” Party demands that the Azerbaijani authorities comply with the country's Constitution and international conventions signed by it, immediately release all political prisoners, put an end to repression, ensure freedom of speech, media, freedom of assembly and other fundamental rights in the country. The “Musavat” party calls on the country's public and the international community to support the victims of repression and raise a voice of protest against the reaction,"  the statement of the 10th Congress of the “Musavat” Party held on December 2.

As a result of the policy of the Azerbaijani authorities for more than 30 years, the country has turned into a place where democratic elections are not held, the opposition is constantly under pressure and threats, freedom of speech, expression, freedom of assembly is not ensured, and human rights are regularly and massively violated.

After the complete liberation of the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, the authorities, instead of developing civil solidarity and directing all the resources of the state to improve the welfare of the population, began a new merciless wave of political repression.

Orhan Hajili, a member of the board of the youth organization of the “Musavat” party, the son of the party leader, was arrested without any grounds for a simple traffic accident. This illegal arrest was unequivocally regarded by the public as pressure on the “Musavat” party and its leader.

Over the past two weeks, the editor-in-chief of "Abzas Media" Ulvi Hasanli, his deputy Mohammad Kekalov, the editor-in-chief of the publication Sevinj Vagifgizy, employee Nargiz Absalamova, the head of TV “Channel 13” Aziz Orujev, the presenter of this channel Rufat Muradli were also arrested on trumped-up charges.

By restricting legitimate methods of financing the media and NGOs, the authorities, with the help of administrative resources and regressive changes in legislation, seek to silence all critics.

"Law enforcement agencies should hold corrupt officials accountable, not journalists who criticize the government and disclose facts of corruption," the Musavat party notes. The statement says that the number of political prisoners in the country continues to grow.

"ADR Chairman Gubad Ibadogu, chairman of the ALEV party Rza Safarsoy, businessman Nazim Beidamirli, head of the “Hural” television Avaz Zeynalli, members of the PFLP Zamin Salaev, Elnur Hasanov, and others were illegally arrested," the document says.-03-