"Defence Line" records deterioration of human rights

Baku/30.12.22/Turan: The human rights situation in the country deteriorated significantly between October and December, according to a report by the human rights organisation "Defence Line".

Politically motivated persecution based on false accusations became more frequent in Azerbaijan.

"Courts and law enforcement agencies have acted under pressure from the executive branch and have issued targeted rulings against opposition figures. The legislative body is in fact an appendage of the executive branch," the report noted.

Basic human and civil rights and freedoms enshrined in Chapter III of the Azerbaijan Constitution have been violated, including equality of all before the law and the courts, the right to a fair trial, and freedom of speech and opinion. The practice of unlawful punishment is widespread.

"Cases of ill-treatment and tortures have been recorded in police stations and departments, penitentiary institutions and pre-trial detention centres," the report says.

Freedom of assembly is virtually prohibited in the country. Pickets and rallies are not allowed and when the opposition does hold peaceful demonstrations, police use inadequate violence against participants.

The activities of political parties face new obstacles. "If the new Law "On Political Parties" adopted by the Parliament comes into force, the right to participate in political life will be severely restricted. The government prefers rigid governance and is not ready for democratic reforms in the political and legal spheres," the report stresses. -06В-