Authorities turn human rights into bargaining with international organizations - NGOs

Baku/11.02.19/Turan: In 2018, the situation in Azerbaijan with democracy and human rights has further deteriorated. During the year, pressure on opposition activists, civil society and journalists intensified. This is stated in the annual report of the Public Association "Legal Education of Sumgayit Youth" entitled "The Situation of Human Rights in Azerbaijan in 2018: Political Repressions Continue."

The authors note that Azerbaijan has again not fulfilled its obligations under the Eastern Partnership of the European Union program.

In their opinion, Azerbaijan has turned the issue of human rights into a subject of speculation in negotiations with international organizations.

In the area of ​​media freedom, not only is there no progress, but on the contrary pressure on journalists has intensified.

There are more than 10 journalists and bloggers in prisons.

In general, the number of political prisoners has increased.

If, in 2015, there were 130 political prisoners in the country, then in 2018 their number increased to 150.

In the report, political prisoners are classified into three categories "opposition activists", "journalists and bloggers" and "arrested for religious beliefs and activities".

A separate chapter is devoted to torture of prisoners.

It also points to restrictions on the freedom of assembly.

In the regions rallies, pickets, demonstrations are prohibited at all.

In Baku, rallies are allowed only at one Mehsul stadium.

However, even for participating in the agreed actions, dozens of activists were called to the police, fined, and administratively arrested.

Obstacles to the activities of NGOs that cannot receive grants from international funds continue to persist.

Accounts of a number of NGOs and activists remain blocked.

In 2018, the judiciary continued to remain dependent on the executive branch.

The courts continue to execute orders from prosecutors and the government.

However, the authorities of Azerbaijan deny the existence of problems with restricting the political rights of citizens.

The NGO Legal Education of Sumgayit Youth was established on May 28, 2000 by a group of university students. However, it was possible to achieve state registration after appeals to the court of organizing on 28 February 2007.

The organization is headed by a lawyer and journalist Elchin Mamed. -03B06-