The head of Freedom House: Now is the right moment for sanctions against violators of human rights in Azerbaijan
President of Freedom House, Mark Lagon in an interview with the radio "Voice of America" called on Washington and the West in general firmly respond to massive violations of human rights and the crackdown on civil society in Azerbaijan. "The situation is too serious, the number of political prisoners in Azerbaijan is greater than in Russia and Belarus together," he said.Asking the question how to explain the brutality of the country's authorities, Lagon said that the authoritarian and corrupt regimes are afraid of civil society which exposes the crimes of the authorities. Repression - is an attempt to silence and stifle critical voices.
At the same time, it is an indication that Baku does not feel enough pressure from the international community. The European Union and the United States, show great interest in the energy, trade and security, but do not pay the same attention to the issue of human rights. This gives grounds for the authorities to act this way, said the head of Freedom House. Be4ing asked what should the West do under such a situation, Lagon said that in America there is a clear mechanism of sanctions against corruption and human rights violators. "Now is the perfect time to apply these sanctions," he said. Lagon also said that Washington does not have to develop trade with these governments.
"It is fundamentally contrary to the interests of the US, and our values," he said. Against this background, the British BP builds its business in Azerbaijan, and Baku gets all of its revenues from the sale of oil to the West, and keeps all of these funds in Western banks. Is it possible to argue against this background that the West has no mechanism of pressure on Azerbaijan? Answering this question Lagon said that the West has sufficient financial leverage. The pressure to improve business atmosphere, eliminating corruption would have a positive impact on economic ties. "This would be in the interest of US and international companies," said Lagon. -02D-
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