Allegations of Repression and Censorship of Dissent Emerge in Mingachevir

Baku/25.10.23/Turan: Civil society activists in Mingachevir are raising concerns about alleged police reprisals in response to criticism and dissent, with accusations that local authorities are clamping down on freedom of expression. These claims have cast a shadow over the city's democratic discourse and the treatment of those who dare to speak out.

According to activists, the police and the courts are allegedly carrying out orders from Ilkham Ismailov, the head of the Executive Power (EP) of the city, who assumed office in October 2018. Critics argue that these actions have stifled the voices of those who have been vocal about issues concerning local governance.

In the spotlight is the ongoing trial of Murad Rza oglu, a Mingachevir resident, facing charges of insulting the business reputation of a local official. Rza oglu reported that he was sued by a local doctor, Afgan Abdullayev, who demanded compensation of 5,000 manats solely because Rza oglu had posted photos online highlighting the resemblance between journalist Mirshain and Dr. Abdullayev. Rza oglu claims that the head of the EP of the city instructed the doctor to pursue legal action against him for his online criticisms of local authorities. Despite offering apologies, the aggrieved doctor has not dropped the lawsuit.

Activists contend that social media activists in Mingachevir often face legal consequences, with hefty fines imposed upon those who cannot afford to pay them. Allegedly, authorities have attempted to coerce activists into removing critical content from their online platforms in exchange for debt forgiveness. Some activists claim they have been threatened with violence and reminded of their conflicts with the district head, a presidential appointee.

Murad Rza oglu questioned the rationale behind these actions, stating, "President  Ilham Aliyev called on the population to criticize the government and point out its shortcomings. We carry out the president's order, my criticism is always confirmed by photo evidence. Then why are we being persecuted?"

Journalist and blogger Elchin Hasanzade has also expressed concerns about potential arrest for his critical coverage in the press and on social media. Hasanzade has been active in exposing the work of local government leader Ilham Ismailov. His recent posts shed light on dire living conditions in public residential buildings in Mingachevir, where sewage has flooded basements, and citizen complaints have gone unanswered.

Hasanzade asserted, "I am a journalist, editor of the newspaper Za Vozrozhdenie. I do not speak against the police and the President of Azerbaijan; I criticize Ilham Ismailov." He called on law enforcement agencies to protect him from the perceived abuse of power by the local head.

Additionally, Vyurar Akberov, a Mingachevir resident, reportedly faced an eight-day imprisonment for disobeying police orders, although some argue he was penalized for his criticism of the city's leadership.

Azer Huseynov, the head of the press service of the EP of Mingachevir, denied the allegations made by civil activists. Huseynov acknowledged temporary difficulties in the city due to sewer system construction but denied that Ismailov had ordered reprisals against critics. He claimed that criticism is valued as it helps authorities identify and rectify shortcomings.

Regarding Murad Rza oglu, Huseynov argued that the majority of his social media criticisms revolve around the sewer network issue. However, he stressed that authorities are against fabrications and insults.

Regarding Hasanzade, Huseynov suggested that the journalist's remarks in the press and on social media were orchestrated to discredit the reputation of Mingachevir's leadership.

These allegations of repression and censorship of dissent continue to draw attention to the delicate balance between freedom of expression and governmental authority in Azerbaijan's localities.