Emin Huseynov: As long as the authorities do not want a real dialogue, it is impossible to return

A human rights  activist Emin Huseynov  asylum in Switzerland  gave an interview to television channel CNN commentator's Christiane Amanpour, where he spoke about persecution by the authorities of Azerbaijan and the state of human rights in the country.

How do you explain that in the context of the European Games Azerbaijani authorities harshly suppress civil society, rather than to improve its image?

Answering this question, Huseynov said that  they should ask the authorities about it. He believes that  Azerbaijan, like other post-Soviet countries, have serious problems with human rights,  the rule of law and freedom of expression.

"When  they began to arrest my friends and colleagues on false charges, I realized that soon will be  my   turn, and I was forced to seek refuge at the embassy. I had no doubt about the intentions of the authorities after five years ago, I was tortured by the police," said Huseynov.

Being asked  how to protect themselves from fraudulent charges, Huseynov said that  under such situation it is impossible. "Ii is impossible to hope for the fair trial  in the country  which has no independent courts, where all the law enforcement system is subservient to the executive power. There is no chance to defend themselves under such a situation," he said.

Commenting on the statement by Azad Rahimov, the Minister of Sport and Youth, that Azerbaijan has no political prisoners, Huseynov noted that the Minister can say whatever he wants. "All officials are saying the same thing, but it's a lie."

It is believed that in countries such as Azerbaijan international events such as the European games should not be held due to poor human rights situation. However, such events allow to focus on specific violations, just like the matter of Emin Huseynov. What do you think about this?

Responding this  question the human rights activist said that during the  European  Games  the international attention  is focused on Azerbaijan and the events taking place here, including human rights violations. However, this is a problem  not of one country, but  of other authoritarian regimes such as Qatar or Russia, where the authorities are trying to use sport to improve its image.

"Those who make decisions about conducting  international competitions in such countries should take it into account," said Huseynov. How did you get out the country?

Responding to this, Huseynov thanked the Swiss embassy and the state, which has a historical humanitarian tradition. "They allow critical voices such as mine, to talk, and give us an opportunity to protect human rights."

You could get out of the country as a result of negotiations  of the Swiss authorities  with your authorities, but your brother and your family actually feel hostage. Will they come to you?

 Huseynov said that he is worried about the fate of his brother and the whole family, but hopes  to meet them in the near future.

Asking the  question  if he is going to return to Azerbaijan and to continue human rights work, Emin said that  until there is not a real dialogue with civil society and other critical voices,  until the authorities do not  change something in the country,  it is impossible  to return to the country.  "It's just unreal,"  he said in conclusion.

After 10 months of stalemate staying at the Swiss embassy in Baku, Huseynov looked skinny and not very healthy.

In 2003, he suffered a serious head injury and cervical vertebrae during the dispersal of the opposition rally in central Baku. Long-term treatment was not a complete cure, but five years ago, Huseynov was beaten again at the police station, and his  health worsened again.

Huseynov managed to leave Azerbaijan thanks to the participation of Foreign Minister of Switzerland Didier Burchart who received the consent of Ilham Aliyev, and took Huseynov  by his plane at night on 13 June.  -02В-