Behind the "belt of happiness" - the many facades of Azerbaijan

Amazing Azerbaijani is a short documentary shedding light on human rights violations, corruption, and recent cases of journalists, activists who were subject to "special" government attention as a result of their work. It also looks at the so-called European values, which have been overstepped by the very same Europeans for the sake of energy security and global war on terrorism. 

Watch and share. There is also a website but it seems to have some kind of problems.

European Court of Human Rights and the case of Hajizada and Abdullayev

After sharing my previous post on Twitter, a user linked this report (see below, or click here) on Azerbaijan prepared by the Medial Legal Defense Initiative, Media Rights Institute, and Index on Censorship and addressed to the European Court of Human Rights on the cases of Emin (Milli) Abdullayev and Adnan Hajizada.

Azerbaijan and the European Court Of Human Rights

"The right way of life..."

I just read an article published in New York Times "A dissident is free from jail, but his punishment is not over" about Emin Milli and his struggle as a young, educated and talented man from Azerbaijan.

I look at Emin's life and especially the last few years as a struggle because what Emin and Adnan both has been through is a struggle. And its not a struggle that is over. They still have to deal with it and will have to deal with it because the circumstances. But they are not alone. And I think in such kind of struggle having the supporting network is extremely important not to give up, not to feel ousted, and most importantly not to lose hope.

But there was also something else in the article, that "moved" me. The quote by Ali Hasanov, that was too much (as most of the things he says) this time as well.

Ali M.Hasanov, a top official in the presidential administration, said President Aliyev had allowed the two to be released early because their parents asked for mercy... And the president granted this request out of humane considerations.

Its incredible that someone as inhumane as Mr. Hasanov, would use "humane" in his comments. That man is known for his brutality just like any other senior government official. But of course, I shall be mocked for these words because thats what "humane" people like Mr. Hasanov do. I hate to break it to you but it is obvious that the definition of humane or right way to life have different meanings in a dictatorial dictionary of Azerbaijani officials and international understanding and definition. 

An Azerbaijani humane officials or their puppets (including judges, police officers and others) imprison people who fail to meet their standards of humanity. As long as you remain a clown, acting it out in front of them, praising them and always supporting them you stay out of prison, arrests, detentions, humiliations and much more. 

The question that remains unanswered is how long this oppression, this approach to silence and attempts to break people up will continue...

Donkey Bloggers speak at World Press Freedom Day

In 1993, following a Recommendation adopted during UNESCO's General Conference (1991), May 3rd, was proclaimed as the World Press Freedom Day. 

It serves as an opportunity to inform citizens and share information on press freedom violations taking place every day in many different corners around the world. 

It serves:

as a reminder that in dozens of countries around the world, publications are censored, fined, suspended, and closed down, while journalists, editors and publishers are harassed, attacked, detained and even murdered.

Held this year in the US following the tradition, World Press Freedom focused on themes like:
- New frontiers of news media
- A legal and regulatory perspective
- New barriers
- New trends of journalism

 While a number of other pressing issues were discussed, the conference also had guests. Among these, were the donkey bloggers, who spoke about their arrest, the donkey video, press freedom situation in Azerbaijan and much more:

'Generation Facebook: Emin, Adnan, and the Future of Dissent in Azerbaijan'

Much has been said and written about Azerbaijan, its failure to meet democratic standards and treat its citizens justly. Numerous international reports been published, statements made, warnings sent. But none had any effect on this country of 8.6 million population rich in oil and gas. If all goes the way it is, nothing will change in Azerbaijan and free voices will be further silenced, punished and crushed.

However, Azerbaijani youth, its "Facebook Generation" is advocating change, despite it all. European Stability Initiative, a Berlin based think tank looks at this and other nuances of Azerbaijan's popular dissent and political development through several prisms of politicians, youth and international organizations. Starting from the birth of Azerbaijan's first Democratic Republic in 1918, and ending with arrests of Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizada, contested Referendum, and 2010 parliamentary elections, this report explores the debts of the popular rhetoric on democratic developments and the role international organizations such as the Council of Europe can play and yet has failed so far.

Ladies and gentlemen, with no further a due, I would like to present here the ESI 2011 Azerbaijan report 'Generation Facebook: Emin, Adnan, and the Future of Dissent in Azerbaijan'.

Generation Facebook in Baku - 15March2011

"We are back and thank you"

As a follow up to my most recent post, here is a video of Emin and Adnan in English, extending their gratitudes to everyone who helped, supported, and believed in their case. 

I would also like to extend my personal gratitude to the European Stability Initiative and all my colleagues- a think tank I worked at not so long ago- for making Emin and Adnan's story heard, speaking of their case openly in their newsletters and for simply following the story. Thank you guys! Much appreciated!

Free again

This is a short excerpt from most recent article I wrote for Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso on Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizada's releases. 

          'Bloggers in Azerbaijan Back to Freedom'

The tiny apartment in downtown Baku was full of people that evening. It had been a long time since so much laughter and joy had been heard in that apartment. But that night, there was a reason to celebrate. Emin (Milli) Abdullayev and Adnan Hajizade were finally free again.

One year ago

Emin Milli, 32, co-founder of the AN Network and Adnan Hajizade, 27, co- founder of another youth network, OL! (To Be), were convicted on charges of “hooliganism” and “infliction of intentional physical violence” and sentenced to two years and six months and two years respectively onNovember 11th 2009 . The two had been arrested four months prior, (July 2009), for allegedly starting a brawl in a restaurant in Baku. Their detention and later arrest was harshly criticized by local and international organizations. For independent human rights observers at home and abroad, this was yet another example of Azerbaijani authorities cracking down on freedom of expression in this country [...]

 You can read the full version of the article here.

Dirty secrets behind closed doors revealed

Ask what everyone is reading worldwide today and the answer would be no doubt the WikiLeaks. Released on Saturday, November 27th and continuing to publish, WikiLeaks is putting some interesting leaks on US Embassies cable correspondence with Washington D.C. 

Open any leading newspaper, and the headline of the paper would be on WikiLeaks. Of course, there is no doubt there is some interesting stuff on Azerbaijan too- its relations with neighbors, arrest of young activists Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizada, Nagorno Karabakh, its sudden decision to sell gas to Russia and much more. Below I have added some of the sections from this correspondence. Perhaps someone else will find them interesting too.

On Iran, President Aliyev said he supported economic isolation and believed it could be effective if enforced by a broad coalition [...] On energy cooperation, President Aliyev said that if the Turks demonstrate "constructive behavior" this year that a gas transit deal can happen [...] Aliyev spelled out the reasons Azerbaijan decided to sell gas to Russia last year, noting that "Moscow had asked" and offered a good price for gas that was surplus anyway. But the real reason, Aliyev confided, was that the sale illustrated to "our Turkish friends" that will not be allowed to create a gas distribution hub. "Aliyev made clear his distaste for the Erdogan government in Turkey, underscoring the "naivete" of their foreign policy and the failure of their initiatives, including the loss of support for Turkey among traditional international friends because of Ankara's hostility to Israel.

[...] on the jailed youth activists, U/S Burns said that one of the ways Azerbaijan could show leadership as a tolerant and secular country was in advancing democracy and human rights. He specifically asked that, following the appeal process of the two youth activists, the President find a way on humanitarian grounds to release the two men. Aliyev made no firm commitment but responded, "I think (a pardon or amnesty) can be done. I had no intention to hurt anyone."

[...] In response to U/S Burns' question about the Russian role in the NK talks Aliyev responded that he was convinced that Medvedev's efforts have been sincere [...] He said that at Sochi, Medvedev tried to persuade Sargsian to achieve a breakthrough. He added, however, that it was strange that with so much pressure from Moscow and Lavrov's visit to Yerevan, the Armenians not only resisted progress, but actually backtracked on previously- agreed items. 

The Amnesty International USAWeb Log published a short comment on the part of this discussion that touched youth activists. 

Another WikiLeak published on guardian.co.uk and titled "US embassy cables: US steps up pressure on Turkey over Iran" is all about Turkey and two of its neighbors- Iran and Azerbaijan. Below is an interesting passage from that leak:

[...] Sinirlioglu appealed for "simultaneity" between Armenian Protocols ratification and the Minsk Process. He emphasized "a strong reaction" against the protocols among ruling party MPs had to be overcome before the government would hazard a ratification effort. He warned Congressional passage of an Armenian genocide resolution would "complicate" his government's domestic political calculations regarding ratification. He said if something acceptable to Azerbaijani President Aliyev can found, then "we can move" the protocols forward. Sinirlioglu suggested Azerbaijan and Armenia's announcement of an agreed framework for Minsk Group progress would provide the GoT with the necessary political cover. Burns inquired about the prospect for progress on a natural gas deal between Turkey and Azerbaijan. Sinirlioglu implied Aliyev is HOLDING AN AGREEMENT HOSTAGE TO TURKEY'S HANDLING OF THE PROTOCOLS: "He doesn't TRUST us" [...]

To read more on WikiLeaks and the Caucasus you can visit this address, an outstanding compilation of many interesting leaks on Turkey as well by Liana Aghajanian.  

photo take from Azadliq radio's site

Emin Milli: "I assume I was arrested just for telling the truth, for free thinking, for free expression, and this video was part of it. but I don't think it was the only reason for our arrest".

Released on probation, Emin Milli, says he missed his friends, his wife, and his mother the most. 

I also missed freedom- not spiritual freedom, because I had this even in jail. I missed freedom of movement, freedom of using the Internet. I think Internet deprivation is a new form of torture for people of our generation.  

And while commenting overall on his arrest, Emin says it came earlier than he was expecting it.  

And Adnan... Well, his release was special as much as Emin's. With OSCE representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic expressing her relief for Adnan's release, now it leaves high hopes for Eynulla Fatullayev- "Azerbaijan's gutsiest journalist [who was charged with] libel, tax evasion, instigation of terrorism and inciting ethnic hatred". While these charges were dropped earlier, he is still in prison for "drug possession", which leaves him with another two years something term ("courtesy" of Azerbaijani authorities of course).   

A note to remember, neither Adnan nor Emin were fully released of their charges. Their remaining time will be served as a suspended term or period of parole, which means '0' problems with the law- enforcement agencies.

And their release comes right after contested parliamentary elections held in Azerbaijan on November 7th. Was it an act of grace by the Azerbaijani authorities no one knows but one thing is certain, Emin and Adnan are free and we can see them, and talk to them, and enjoy our time spent together. Congratulations to everyone! Lets hope we hear more good news on Eynulla Fatullayev's case too...

Adnan and Emin are FREE!!!

Yesterday, while I was giving a training in Sheki for local women on social media and writing, I received a phone call from a friend in Baku telling me Adnan was released from prison. I couldn't process what I was hearing at first. I couldn't believe what he was saying... Adnan... released... free... 

The news was great and it was getting better. Later I actually spoke to him. It was exhilirating to hear his voice on the phone. He congratulated me on my wedding and apologized for not being there :) 

Baffled by the release himself he said he wasn't expecting this given he had 12 different trials none of which were fair. 

"I want everyone to know that I'm not a hooligan and I'm not a criminal", said Adnan in his interview with Reuters yesterday.

Below is the video interview with Adnan right at the court, after he was released:

And the second best news I am just receiving now. Emin Milli released today as well!!!

November 11

Yesterday, November 11th, was the day when a court decision in the capital of Baku changed lives of two young bloggers- Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizada sentencing them to imprisonment based on faked charges of hooliganism and inflicting of intentional body harm exactly a year ago on this day. 

Also yesterday, the Supreme Court of Azerbaijan agreed to finally approve the verdict to release Eynulla Fatullayev issued by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). While initially local news outlets reported on most of the charges against arrested journalist and editor-in-chief of Realniy Azerbaijan imprisoned in 2007 drop, it didn't take long for the Supreme Court come up with a reason to keep him in prison. 

The Supreme Court, retroactively increased the sentence on tax evasion- initially two months- to two years and three months and 15 days. Eynulla already served two years and three months worth of his sentence, however, in December 2009, he was given additional charge for drug possession ( in prison (dismissed by Fatullayev himself however not accepted at the court). So, with this final decision, and the total time Eynulla already served, the Court managed to keep him in prison and claim that the time he has spent already in prison will be deducted from the time he was charged with tax evasion (which is exactly two years, three months and 15 days) and keep him for drug possession.

According to Elchin Sadigov, the lawyer of the arrested journalist "The Plenum had not authority to retroactively increase the prison sentence for the defendant".   

Sitting at a 7th South Caucasus Media Conference in the capital of Georgia, organized by the OSCE,  and listening to the representative from Azerbaijan Presidential Apparatus saying that Emin and Adnan were just hooligans, arrested with other 2000 hooligans in 2009, one cannot but wonder where Azerbaijan is going... Its so ironic that whenever it works for the government and authorities it claims that it follows European or American standards but for some reason none of these standards are applied on the ground when it comes to many things, including freedom of media, access to information, journalists' safety and much more...

Where freedom to express oneself is possible- Azeri donkey goes international

by Atakhan Abilov

The Hague, its November 6th, and a group of Azerbaijani diaspora puts on what I would call genuinely innovative protest in front of the Azerbaijani Embassy. Each protestor was wearing a donkey head and a tag representing some of the key senior government officials. Each name was associated with something each of those key officials is responsible for- elections, freedom of expression, corruption, economy and etc. 

The photos of the protest appeared first on Facebook (though I picked up on the news on Twitter). And here is a video prepared by one of the Dutch channels (the video is in Dutch). 

The AzeriReport website released a story on the event:

The protestors demanded freedom for the jailed Azeri bloggers Adnan Hajizada and Emin Milli, who are widely believed to have been arrested for the "donkey video" which mocked the corrupt Azerbaijani government. The protestors wore donkey suits [...] and protest against the corrupt authoritarian rule of Ilham Aliyev regime in Azerbaijan.

Whether the protest is going to have any effect on jailed bloggers and the regime overall is questionable if not highly unlikely. However, the idea is worth a million and needs recognition. 

Tomorrow Azerbaijan is going to the polls to elect their new parliament. Perhaps new and independent parliamentary body would be a good start to a corruption free regime? Who knows?! If only and only this could ever be possible...

Happy Birthday My Dear Friend!

Today, Emin turns 31. But he wont have a birthday celebration with his friends and family. Instead, he will be celebrating his new age behind bars at a prison facility in Azerbaijan. On November 11th its going to be a year since Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizada were officially sentenced to imprisonment on faked charges of hooliganism.

Since then much has been voiced with regard to their personalities, activities, lives. There were those who supported their imprisonment, saying they deserved the sentence. Others raised their concerns. But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter, who says what, how, and when. What remains to be important is that both Emin and Adnan were individuals just like any of us. Who had their own beliefs, ideas, values and passion for things, some will never understand. They wanted to make a difference, something many people won't dare of doing because of the fear of being different from the rest. 

They are men of courage and truth. And that is a fact and will remain so for many of their friends and supporters. Unlike many other "official" hooligans, thieves, criminals, they didn't buy their way out. They chose to be fare and just but no one cared about that because there is one thing that judicial or any other power in Azerbaijan cares about and its money. And the more, the better. So while Vusal and Babek (the alleged victims of the attack Emin and Adnan were framed under) got out because they were paid to do so, our friends were arrested.

And that is the truth about Azerbaijan- there is no decency left. And it doesn't matter how many billions of dollars one spends to make the country look pretty, because no money will hide the ugly reality and truth the country lives in. Its a one big lie covered with fake truth!

Happy Birthday my dear friend! I want to wish you many happy returns but in freedom and in a country hopefully that will change one day...

Political prisoners in Azerbaijan- Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizada- Radio Netherlands Worldwide 

Support video prepared by friends of Adnan and Emin