The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) have released a statement of prelimary findings and conclusions on the Presidential election in Azerbaijan.
In accordance that UK Foreign and Commonwealth Minister David Lidington said:
“I note the preliminary findings of the joint OSCE/ODIHR and OSCEParliamentary Assembly Election Observation Missions on Azerbaijan’s Presidential elections. While this report recorded some positive aspects, such as the Central Election Commission’s efficient technical preparations and the inclusive process of citizen observation, it also highlighted a number of serious concerns. These included limitations on the freedom of expression, assembly and association; allegations of intimidation of candidates and journalists during the campaign, and significant problems on election day itself.
While I welcome the positive aspects of the report and the peaceful conduct of voting, I share ODIHR’s concern that overall conduct of the elections fell short of full adherence to Azerbaijan’s OSCE commitments. I look forward to seeing the Mission’s final report and encourage the Azerbaijan Government to work with OSCE/ODIHR to implement its recommendations.
Azerbaijan is an important partner for the UK, and the UK Government stands ready to support Azerbaijan in its continued democratic transition”, – he noted.-02D-
Politics
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On November 28, the Tbilisi City Court ruled to extradite Afgan Sadigov, the head of the website Azel.TV, to Azerbaijan. This was reported by his wife Sevinj Sadigova. The defense will appeal the court's decision.
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The leader of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP), Ali Kerimli, has stated that his internet blockade has become more severe. “For almost five years, I have been under an internet blockade. But recently, it has taken on an openly blatant and shameless form,” Kerimli said during a press conference today.
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On November 27, an online hearing took place at the Khatai District Court regarding a petition from the defense for the release of Alaskar Mammadli, the founder of Toplum TV, under house arrest. Mammadli has been in custody at Baku’s Detention Center No. 1. The court denied the petition, Mammadli's brother, Nasimi Mammadli.
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On November 28, another hearing took place in the case of public activist Ilhamiz Guliyev. During the proceedings, the court reviewed a response from the 28th Police Station of the Yasamal District in Baku. At the previous hearing, the defense had requested that the court obtain footage from the surveillance cameras at this police station, where Guliyev was taken on December 4 of last year. However, the police response stated that the video footage had not been preserved.
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