NGO transparency coalition prepare a report on the oppression by the Azerbaijani government

Gubad Ibadoglu, the  head of the Movement for Democracy and Prosperity , is finalizing a study on counter actions by the Azeri authorities to the activities of NGOs, members of the international organization "Transparency Initiative in Extractive Industries" (EITI).  The study will be presented to the public before the end of April, he said.

In May 2014,the government launched a campaign of mass repression against civil society. Bank accounts of many NGOs were frozen, a ban on grants from foreign donors was introduced. At the same time, legislative restrictions, adopted in February 2014 have been used.

The authorities have started a politically motivated lawsuits  on alleged tax evasion and other violations among activists. All this has affected more than 20 NGOs.

Among the EITI activists affected by government sanctions: Gubad Ibadoglu - member of the Management Board and the National Coordinator of the EITI; Institute for Human Rights and Democratic Institutions (Elchin Abdullayev); The Committee to Protect Oil Workers Rights (Mirvari Gahramanli); Society to promote economic reforms (Zohrab Ismail) and many others.

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative was launched by Tony Blair in October 2002. The main goal is transparency of information about payments of extractive companies and revenues of governments that are rich in natural resources, provides interaction with the government, mining companies and civil society.

In February 2009, Azerbaijan became the first country to achieve compliance with EITI. However,   on October 27, 2014 the government was no longer interested in the transparency of oil revenues, and announced its intention to  leave the EITI.

 In April 2015 the International Organization "Transparency Initiative in Extractive Industries" (EITI) in Azerbaijan lowered its status in this structure with the "permanent member" to "candidate countries". The decision was taken by the Board of EITI in response to the crackdown on civil society.

 EITI decision deprived the Azerbaijani authorities to the international financial assistance.

After the fall in oil prices, Baku "suddenly" realizes that it needs the support of donors and resumes negotiations with of EITI, hoping to regain its former status. However, both  the EITI, as well as international financial institutions, as conditions require resolution  of civil  society’s problems. -0-