Upon the opening of the first-ever European Games in Baku, US Helsinki Commission Chair Rep. Chris Smith issued the following statement:
“For the next 17 days, the eyes of Europe will be on Baku. It is sad that the European Olympic Committees do not require that a potential host government take human rights seriously. The colorful festivities in Baku must not blind anyone to the Azerbaijani government’s terrible and worsening human rights record.
“Over the past two years, the government has sharply curtailed media freedom. Last month’s closure of the Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) bureau in Baku was the culmination of a months-long campaign to silence one of the last free media sources in the country. RFE/RL investigative reporter Khadija Ismayilova remains in jail on trumped-up criminal charges, and scores of other journalists, civil society activists, and religious believers are also imprisoned on politically motivated charges.
“Azerbaijan’s recent unilateral closure of the OSCE Project Coordinator’s office in Baku underscores its complete disregard for the OSCE commitments to which it has pledged to adhere.” -25D-
Politics
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On the evening of December 2, the Nasimi District Court issued administrative penalties to 6 activists of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) detained during the trial of the leader of this organization, Ali Karimli.
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The opposition Musavat Party has announced its participation in the upcoming municipal elections in Azerbaijan, scheduled for January 29, 2025. This decision was made today by the party's Executive Board. The responsibility for participating in the elections with the party's candidates and nominating candidates will lie with the party's regional organizations.
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Ten activists from the National Front Party, detained on Monday outside the Nasimi District Court, were reportedly beaten at the 20th police station of the Nasimi district in Baku. A protocol was drawn up against them under Articles 510 and 535.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (minor hooliganism and disobedience to police), one of the detainees, Gülnara Rahimova, who was released, told Turan.
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On Monday, President Ilham Aliyev met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guinea-Bissau, Carlos Pinto Pereira, and the Minister of Environment of the country, Viriato Cassamá. Aliyev expressed hope that the ministers' visit would contribute to the development of economic cooperation, including trade and investment, a statement from the Presidential Press Service.
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