Azerbaijani Prosecutor General’s Office Warns Ogtay Gyulaliyev

Azerbaijani Prosecutor General's Office issued a warning to the civilian activist Ogtay Gyulaliyev for publishing a critical article about the last pardon, which does not concern persons recognized as political prisoners by human rights activists. Gyulaliyev himself believes that he did not allow violations of the law and his thoughts were set out in the framework of freedom of expression.

The head of the Public Alliance Azerbaijan Without Political Prisoners and a member of the National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF) Ogtay Gyulaliyev on January 6 was summoned to the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan. He was there for two hours - from 17.00 to 19.00, after which he was released.

"The reason for calling me to the Prosecutor General's Office was my recent article "Pardon decree not worth a child's tears," Gyulaliyev told Turan.

He was told that "some aspects of the article are spoiling the business reputation of the state bodies." The human rights activist was issued an official warning. In connection with the subscription of non-disclosure, he did not disclose details of the conversation.

"I can only say that I told them about the presentation of my personal thoughts, and it was within the law and freedom of expression. People cannot be blamed for their beliefs and attitudes. And yet, I thanked them for their careful reading of my article," said Gyulaliyev.

On December 31 Gyulaliyev issued an article entitled "Pardon decree not worth a child's tears." (http://www.contact.az/docs/2015/Want%20to%20Say/123100142142az.htm#.Vo1P-1IhnIV). 

He drew attention to the fact that two-thirds of the pardoned persons had been sentenced to long terms of imprisonment for grave and especially grave crimes. At the same time 35 people were convicted in 2013, 37 - in 2014, and 5 - even in 2015. Therefore Gyulaliyev drew attention to the fact that according to the Regulations for pardon, people convicted of serious crimes may be released no earlier than after serving half of their sentence.

The paper expressed surprise at the fact that, despite the release of persons convicted of serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping, causing serious injury, the pardon does not apply to youth activists, human rights defenders, journalists and opposition politicians.

"In social networks they write about the fact that corruption has reached the Commission on the Mercy Prerogative. Of course, without having specific serious facts we cannot speak about anything clearly. We can only say that the release of those who have committed serious crimes, and not those convicted on trumped-up charges, is not only unfair, but also violates the requirements and policies of the Pardon," the human rights activist said.

Next Gyulaliyev retold the story of the 7-year-old daughter of the journalist Parviz Hashimli, decorating a Christmas tree in the hope of meeting the holiday with her father. However, after learning that her father will not return for the New Year, the upset girl, crying, dismantled the Christmas tree. -03C-