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İctimai fəallar niyə həbs olunur?
'Criticism of war cannot fall under the application of this article'
In recent days, concerns have mounted over freedom of expression in Azerbaijan as several activists have been summoned to the prosecutor's office and the State Security Service. Some of them have faced administrative arrests lasting 30 days, citing Article 388-1.1.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, which pertains to the dissemination of information through information reserves or information-telecommunication networks prohibited by Azerbaijan's law on information, informatization, and protection of information. However, the relatives of these detained individuals assert that these activists were merely expressing their dissenting views against war and military operations.
Notably, parallels are being drawn to the previous "anti-terrorist measures" implemented by Azerbaijani authorities in Karabakh, where social networks came under government control, but educational measures for the safety of residents in conflict-affected areas were not prioritized.
Fazil Mustafa, a member of the Milli Majlis Human Rights Committee, acknowledged in an interview with Turan the difficulty of defining the boundaries of freedom of expression. He explained that while expressing opposition to a state's anti-terrorist operation can be viewed as an exercise of human freedom of thought, the practical implications differ due to state policy. Mustafa emphasized the warnings from the Ministry of Defense and the prosecutor general's office, which called for caution when disseminating information on such issues.
"People should decide for themselves whether they want to become 'heroes' by opposing the war," Mustafa noted, implying that such opposition could have consequences. "In other words, when the state and the people are at war, and you oppose the war, these statements can cast a shadow on the entire process. Therefore, we must take these matters seriously and prevent them from becoming socially provocative."
Bashir Suleymanli, head of the Institute of Civil Rights, in an interview with Radio Azadlig criticized the recent arrests of public activists, saying that they have no legal basis. He argued that Article 388-1.1.1, cited in these arrests, pertains to the dissemination of information prohibited by law, which typically involves state or military secrets. Criticizing the war and expressing opposition, Suleymanli argued, should not fall under the purview of this article.
Suleymanli stressed the importance of a diversity of opinions and pluralism, emphasizing that people should not face persecution or pressure for expressing their views. He asserted that allowing different perspectives and opinions is integral to a democratic society.
Regarding the issue of informing citizens about security matters, Suleymanli noted that there are already significant challenges in this regard. He acknowledged that people in conflict-affected regions are often inadequately informed, and misinformation has been prevalent. Instead of imposing restrictions, Suleymanli argued that the government should focus on educating and informing the public to ensure their safety and well-being.
Social
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An online meeting of civil society activists focused on the human rights situation in Azerbaijan, convened on the initiative of the Justice Solidarity Committee, highlighted significant concerns over the detention of journalists, political activists, and opponents of the war. The gathering, held on August 30, coincided with the International Day of Remembrance of the Missing and underscored the ongoing challenges facing both Azerbaijani and Armenian societies in the wake of the Karabakh conflicts.
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No precipitation is expected in Baku and on the Absheron Peninsula; the northwestern wind will change to a southeastern wind during the day. Air temperatures will range from 21-26°C at night and 33-38°C during the day, according to the National Hydrometeorology Service of the Ministry of Ecology.
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A fire has erupted at the Experimental and Testing Production of the Scientific Research Institute of SOCAR (the state oil company) in the Surakhani district of Baku, the Ministry of Emergency Situations reported. "Thanks to the urgent and necessary measures taken by the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the spread of the fire to neighboring areas, including nearby residential buildings, has been prevented," the statement reads. Efforts to extinguish the fire are still ongoing.
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In September, the average monthly air temperature in Azerbaijan is expected to be close to the climatic norm. Precipitation levels will also be near the norm, but in some areas, they will exceed it, according to the September forecast from the National Hydrometeorological Service.
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