In 2018, the freedom situation worsened - human rights union

Baku / 29.12.18 / Turan: The outgoing 2018 is marked by significant political events for the country. So this year the extraordinary presidential elections were held, the country celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. But along with this, the human rights situation continued to deteriorate, reads the statement of the Union "For the freedom of political prisoners in Azerbaijan.

"In addition to continuing obstacles to the activities of human rights organizations, pressure on independent lawyers through the Bar Association began at the same time," said Union Coordinator Elshan Hasanov.

Despite the announcement the 2018 years as the "Year of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic", in fact, the celebration of the anniversary was prohibited.

More than five people were detained and administratively detained for participating in the festive march on the Day of the Republic on May 28.

In 2018, violations of fundamental human rights, as reflected in the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, continued.

In particular, freedom of expression, freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom of assembly, were violated.

The practice of politically motivated arrests continued.

There are 150 political prisoners in the country and most of them are believers.

Even in prison, political prisoners are under pressure, they are subjected to torture, new lawsuits are filed against them.

The Union also decided to award the "Book of the Year" award to the work of human rights activists Leyla and Arif Yunus "From the Soviet camp to an Azerbaijani prison." -06D--