Dispatches from Azerbaijan: News Bulletin February 22-26

On May 22nd of last year, young conscript by the name of Tapdiq Babashov was reported dead at the military base where he did his compulsory military service. But this was the official line or at least the line his military base disclosed because Babashov didn't commit suicide. Babashov's family, who didn't believe their son would end his life just like that (especially given his determination to do the military service) too the case of their son to the court. The most recent hearing was on February 25. 

Needless to say testimonies of other soldiers who served with Babshov, revealed grave rights violations at the base as well as inhuman treatment of soldiers by the base generals and other high-ranking military personnel. 

Men who testified in court said they were humiliated, beaten and even tortured during their service. One young officer recalled being punched in his stomach just at the spot where he recently had an operation. 

Point being, Babashov was not the first conscript to die in "suspicious" circumstances disguised under "suicide". According to Caspian Defense Institute stats, 71 deaths were reported (at least from the ones which were actually reported) in 2015. 35 of these were combat, while the rest were unknown circumstances, incidents, suicides and so on.

***

In another news the Haydar Aliyev Fund announced it will be helping to restore the catacombs of Rome. Not the first initiative of this sort. What is interesting however is that while we are borrowing money from the World Bank, turns out, we could just borrow here at home but perhaps, President Ilham Aliyev, cannot borrow money from his wife, Mehriban Aliyev who heads the fund. 

***

On February 24, the Appear Court in the town of Sheki, postponned the cases of Ilgr Mammadov and Tofig Yagublu Both men were arrested during 2013 Ismayilli uprising and were later charged with organizing these protests. Mammadov and Yagublu were as a result sentenced to 7 and 5 years respectively. In the meantime, the European Court of Human Rights issued decisions calling detention and subsequent arrest of the two men unlawful and calling for their release. 

Apart from Mammadov and Yagublu, 4 out of 20 originally detained Ismayilli residents, remain behind bars. Their lawyer believes this is because these men knew their rights and refused to take on any forced confessions and the blame. Funny that while innocent residents who spending their 3rd year away from their families locked up, the head of Ismayilli administrative office [against whose corruption and filthy behavior the Ismayilli residents were protesting in the first place] only got away with job dismissal together with his brother who happens to be [surprise!] the Minister of labor and social protection. 

***

In another interesting development this past week, official Baku sent a note of concern to Russian MFA for selling weapons to Armenia. Baku demanded confirmation that these weapons won't be used along Azerbaijan's border with Armenia [to which I can only say, are f***ing kidding me?!]. The response from Russia was swift. Turns out the weapon supply is in tandem with the goal to maintain stability in the region.  

***

The consequences of devaluation on the local people- lets also talk about that. 

Two devaluations later, Azerbaijan's economy is struggling to say the least. As so are the people of course. Not those who are in top that is, but those below the middle class. The biggest issue on the table is bank loans. About two million Azerbaijanis have them. The officials say they need approximately $250million in order to allow people repay their interest rates based on the rates prior to the second devaluation. I am not economist so please excuse my reasoning here- but shouldn't we first tackle the issue of loans rather than invest in road reconstruction [which is what the recent loan from WB is paying for?!]. Couldn't Haydar Aliyev Fund instead of "renovating" Italian catacombs help prevent a catacomb in the making back at home base?

You tell me...

***

In the meantime the number of suicide cases continues to grow in Azerbaijan. Not a day goes without news of new suicides. In many cases it is fears over outstanding debt. 

***

Azerbaijan is a country of political prisoners. This is no news. The official Baku however won't tell you this. Which is also no news. But for those familiar with the country, they would know official Baku is twisting the truth. What they also won't admit is that Azerbaijan political prisoners are known internationally, respected, and many have numerous awards attesting to their invaluable contributions in their fields. Most of Azerbaijan officials don't have any awards unless they came from Aliyev [like Aliyev appreciation society award of some sort]. They are getting these awards for a reason anyhow, and this is no news either. 

But let get back to the international fame of Azerbaijan's political prisoners [despite all the dirt the government tries to pour over them]. Azerbaijan's prominent human rights defender, Intigam Aliyev received his 4th award since his arrest. 

***

And as it is usually with news programs, let us talk about sports. Well, perhaps not really sports but how spot facilities can be used for other purposes. Have you heard for instance that an Olympic Stadium can be an excellent wedding venue? Or a spot to chill and watch sports games on flat screens from cafes there? Or take a driving license test? Well, if you didn't then Azerbaijan is the place. Although the European Games are over [thank GOD] and since Azerbaijan is in crisis, some genius suggested to turn the space offered by the stadium for multi purposes. First were wedding receptions [I have written about this here]. But this is slightly above average salary makers in Azerbaijan could afford when just one seat could cost anywhere between 100-150AZN. Now the space in stadium is offered as part of uber high tech driving license course. But this isn't just any driving class. It is offered to professionals who want to be better at driving. Jamila Mehdiyeva, head of the press office at the stadium explained the idea further, "These classes are first of its kind [well of course, in Azerbaijan everything has to be first of its kind]. We create any weather condition- rain, fog, storm- for the drivers to learn how to control their cars under these weather conditions."

On and there are also tours of the stadium [in some places like in Rome, you do a tour of the Colosseum, or the Vatican but a tour of the brand new Olympic Stadium?!] VIP tours cost 25AZN, high school students can get away with just 5AZN while adults are charged 10AZN on entrance. 

***

Here we are, this is the end of this past week's bulletin. Hope you enjoy it and I will be in touch with more. 

"Impressive budgets" in a country with 67$ minimum wage

Found some impressive comparative data on what Azerbaijan spent on its first European Games (and looks like the last since there are no other host candidates and I very much hope it stays this way- we really don't need another dictatorship taking such an endeavor on). But don't get too excited. We are not talking about real progress here. Although in a way it is- the government of Azerbaijan wins gold in the category of how best to rummage through budgets and reserves intended for the country's future. No wonder why we were so keen on hosting these games.

Anyhow, I have written enough about the games and so have many others who have been critical of the games, the whole concept of these games and of course, the state of life in Azerbaijan amid these games.

I found this perfect infographic (which I somehow missed originally) prepared by Sport For Rights who also have a website with valuable info and facts on the crackdown underneath all the Aliyev glitz. 

These are indeed impressive numbers especially against the deteriorating state of health care and social services in a country where minimum wage for 2015 was announced to be 105AZN which is approximately 67USD. Oh yea, we are rich and we are famous, but our people have to literally survive from month to month on these breadcrumbs.

How European Games were covered abroad or how Azerbaijani leadership failed to gain "golden stars" abroad [Timeline]

click here to go to the original timeline

How Azerbaijan government is lying about the costs of the games

Back in November, Azadliq Radiosu published an article on the costs of the European games. It referenced an article in a publication called Business New Europe. There, speaking on the costs of the games, the article noted an $8billion estimate in total costs of the upcoming games. This estimate was based on October 2013 projections for state budget actually noted by the authorities themselves. 

Since then, the article is not accessible. However, the issue is still available if you visit the Business New Europe website. 

 

By the way, the "sponsors" of this issue are TEAS (lobby organization with headquarters in London and run by the son of the Ministry of Emergency Situation). Pasha Bank, has links to the ruling government.

What is interesting that the government of Azerbaijan still denies the costs. It says the total costs of the games is EUR960mn [AZ] and that all final costs would be announced once the games are over. The opening alone of the games cost $95million. 

The government of Azerbaijan in the meantime is trying to lower the importance of the costs while emphasizing the image boosting side of the games. But to me looks like Azerbaijani government just spent billions to highlight the crackdown, the human rights issues and everything that is not working in the country.

Ah good old bashing methods

So an outlet from Azerbaijan, known as AzerNews.az decided to bash at BBC. In their piece published today "Why Islamophobia - source of anti- Azerbaijani campaign on BBC?" the publication claims that "BBC is nothing but a propaganda machine, with groundless, cheap accusations. This propaganda mouthpiece has already gained popularity with its Islamophobic and anti-Turk policy [what is anti-Turk policy I wonder, anti-Turkey maybe?]". It also says, "Experts suggest that the BBC should have investigated the claims of British NGOs about the fact that actual expenditures of the Olympics exceeded the initial budget by three times". It also calls into questioning the spending for the Pan American Games, hosted by Canada. 

AzerNews forgets to mention who are the so-called "experts" are who suggest that BBC should investigate claims of British NGOs. 

AzerNews also forgets to mention the GDP of the UK or Canada. 

But the most important thing AzerNews seems to forget to mention is Azerbaijan's ranking on the Global Corruption Index where Azerbaijan is placed 126 among 175 while UK ranks 14 and Canada 10. 

It is a bit funny and ironic when a pro-govt. media outlet bashes an international media outlet and thinks its going to cause a bang. 

This incident brings to mind President Erdogan's claims against foreign outlets like the New York Times, the Guardian and others. Authoritarian leaders use some of the same bashing language and this is clearly visible. But that is normal since they are not used to it at home where independent voices are increasingly silenced. But its even more ironic, because Azerbaijan and Turkey often mention and pride themselves in their symbolic "brotherhood" connection. Well looks like the two brothers might be more alike than they know. 

Khadija Ismayil vs. President Aliyev: the chronology

The case of Khadija Ismayilova vs President Aliyev: chronology | Create infographics

Mr. President, you have failed us

President Aliyev,

These days letters addressed to you are popular. Even if it comes at great costs.

It is unfortunate...

Your ruthlessness, heartlessness is unfortunate. It is unfortunate for us. As we silently endure your reckless behavior toward us, towards this country, this land. 

As a citizen of Azerbaijan (before you take that away from mel) let me tell you (while I can) if not enlighten you that you have ruined this country and continue ruining it.

While chasing aspirations of something that is beyond my human understanding, you have ruined the lives of generations - at least from where I stand.

You have taken away from us, the most valuable - our future. You have infected the system that we live in, with a deadly virus - hopelessness.

Everything you have touched, is infected.

To cover this you have erected facades. Facades that hide Azerbaijan's reality.

In 2015, a country as rich in natural reserves as us, has political prisoners, no independent media, rights abuse and so much more.

You have wasted what rightly belongs to me and the rest of the 9.3 million people (or at least of those millions who still live in Azerbaijan) on your expensive toys and caprices.

You think we need Zahra Hadid?

We don't. Not when we have schools that are falling apart. Not when we have no equal rights. Not when we have no independent media. Not when we have free and fair elections. Not when we have ruined education and health care system. Not when our villages lack necessary infrastructure. Not when our very own future Hadids are facing inequality, violence and discrimination at home.  Not when we can raise our own generation of so many Hadids. Not when we have most of the country (with an exception of few towns that are taken care of thanks to its rich and well-connected governors) of development.

You think a villager in a remote village of Azerbaijan cares about Flame Towers?

These people care more about bringing food to a table, and struggling to care of their families. They worry whether tomorrow they are going to have electricity all day. Or whether they are going to have finally heating at their home. Or whether their children will finally have an education free of bribes. Or whether their local doctor won't demand money (which they don't have) to take care of a family member. Or whether tomorrow they are going to have the same job, whether they are going to get paid, whether there is anything beyond despair and misery.

Those Flame Towers are not making the lives of those people better.

Zahra Hadid's creation does not provide them with job security.

Another Olympic center or a park, does not assure them that their kids are going to have good future.

President Aliyev, your fellow Ministers, advisers, and many more who kiss up to you, or simply tell you what to do, you all have failed as leaders. You are frightened by your own people. You have become ruthless and blind to your own doing.

A high fence along the roads might hide these grievances from you as you drive to an opening of yet another multi-billion building.

You and the rest of you might think marble, glass and glitz can cure poverty but you are deeply mistaken.

Azerbaijan is tortured by and you alike.

It is unfortunate that in 21st century, we have people like you in power.

It is unfortunate Mr. President that you have failed your people and yourself...

Aliyev’s new initiative: to patent Azerbaijani breakfast

In Absurdistan, excuse me, I meant to say Azerbaijan; there is a new brilliant idea – to patent Azerbaijani breakfast. The initiative comes just a month and a half before the inaugural European Games – an international sporting event designed to please Mr. Aliyev and his ego. 

To please the President at home however (as if kissing up to the President isn’t enough and well observed) new ideas come to live that only make “Absurdistan” even more absurd. 

This time, it is the Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfaz Garayev who out of blue decided to patent Azerbaijani breakfast. 

Yes, he did. The ministry already received the patent in fact for this new brand called. 

European Games are used as the pilot period with only some of the hotels featuring this "special" breakfast. Later, it will be a requirement for all of the hotels, said Garayev in one of the interviews. 

Personally, while I love food and especially our traditional food I am not sure why do we need to patent something that could be served at the hotels anyway? 

As a guest I should have a choice whether to book my hotel without breakfast or with and even if I do book a night including breakfast (sometimes its included anyway) I should have the freedom and the choice to go eat elsewhere. And maybe I don’t like breakfast food for breakfast? What if I like granola? Or ice cream? Or coffee? Or what if, I simply cannot stand hotel breakfasts? 

In non - Absurdistan like countries, getting something patented is a complicated business. And when it comes to food or food recipes its even more complicated. As IPWatchdog explains it, “in most cases the typical recipe for a “killer margarita” or “the best barbeque sauce ever” will not be patentable because they won’t be unique enough typically failing on the non-obviousness requirement.” 

While food can be patented it still must be new, useful, not obvious, and meet the requirements for patentability says this website. At the end of the day, whatever it is, it has be “new”. 

 So this is where it gets tricky, as I am not sure what is “new” about our traditional breakfast? We still use the exact same butter, kinds of cheese, sour cream, honey and cream with freshly brewed tea and fresh bread that we have used for decades if not centuries? 

But then I guess it wasn’t that “difficult” for our patent institution to hand out patent for Azerbaijan breakfast brand since its all part of the same “system”. 

I am just curios as to why to patent it and make it compulsory at the hotels where they either already serve some variation of traditional breakfast or prefer not to because its additional costs for the hotel? Especially in a country like Azerbaijan where hotels are expensive and have more stars than they actually should?

New changes to public transportation services schedule during the European Games

Azerbaijanis must be eternally grateful to the upcoming European Games, because aside from all the new limitations imposed on the residents of our country additional changes are made to the public transportation system.

According to these new changes public transportation services will be working close to 20 hours a day. Buses will operate from 5AM until 1AM and metro will work starting from 6AM and until 1AM. 

It is likely that during the opening and closing ceremony of the games public transportation services will operate until later hours as well. 

Prior to the games, trains ran until midnight while buses until 11pm. For the morning hours, your best bet would take the metro that started working at 6am since buses start running at 7am. 

An "expert" mouthpiece

Peter Tase is advising Washington "to play a more effective role in providing a solution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and withdraw itself from taking actions based on the manipulations and fabrications undertaken by Armenian public relations organizations". Now while I agree that a stronger stance on NK is needed I cannot fully understand where does Tase lead with his "manipulations by Armenian public relations organizations" argument? 

A number of international rights watchdogs criticized Azerbaijan for the unprecedented crackdown taking place in Azerbaijan against its most prominent rights activists and advocates. And these are not new criticisms since the country's rights and freedoms record has been on the low for a long time now.  A number of local observers (those who can still say something at least) have shed light on the on-going intimidation and threats against alternative views in the country. Those not able to do so any longer are either in jail, arrested, silenced, intimidated or fled the country. Does Tase imply that all these organizations, individuals and communities are Armenian public relation organizations? 

But then, I looked at Tase's profile on Foreign Policy News. And the list of his articles on Azerbaijan explain why Tase believes in the theory strongly advocated by Azerbaijani authorities. Most of his recent work is bout Nakhchivan. I was pleasantly surprised to be honest to see his pictures from there. Because Nakhchivan is not the most open place where visitors (let alone foreigners) can travel easily. Tase must have been a very special guest to travel there and have such a wonderful time. But he has written about Azerbaijan in 2014 as well. While he has highlighted Azerbaijan's leading role in "advocating peace and humanitarianism", Tase forgot to mention that this humanitarian and peaceful nation jailed some of its most prominent activists in 2014.

The funniest of it all is that in Azerbaijani media he is presented as an expert on international relations. Hmm... I think Tase must do his research a bit better if he is opting for being the mouthpiece of Azerbaijan.

The torch of Baku 2015 European Games presented

The torch of the 2015 European Games is presented and will travel across the country.

According to the Minister of Youth and Sports Azad Rahimov the torch represents "national and spiritual values".

To me this torch comes at the expense of people like Khadija Ismayil, Intigam Aliyev, Leyla Yunus and many others who are locked up behind bars for crimes they have not committed. It represents corruption, filthiness and dirt that Azerbaijani government is swimming in (now, that would be a game to compete in, during these games, guess who the winner would be then?!).

It stands for rights abuse, torture, lies, and intimidation. It represents silenced voices, despair and sadness.

It represents jail, crackdown and fear. 

It represents all the things that are wrong in Azerbaijan - wicked and corrupted leadership, uneducated society, struggling country barely surviving on "generous" salaries paid by the government. 

Catherine Ugwu, the director of ceremonies thinks the torch will create "perfect mood" as it travels across the country. Well Ms. Ugwu, how about you join the torch with a go-pro camera and visit remote villages of Azerbaijan where poverty is mind boggling, where people still have no heating or running water among so many other issues.

Now wouldn't that be a perfect mood setter?! But you won't do that. Because you have no respect for Khadijas, Leylas and Intigams.

But then why would you if our own government doesn't give a shit.

Azerbaijan during the European Games: what you probably don't know (part 2)

So apparently a new limitation (or more like a ban) is imposed on the local residents of Baku. Turns out now the residents who reside in buildings on the main streets overlooking avenues, and downtown Baku wont be able to hang clothes outside on their balconies (!)

Residents of some buildings say they were "informed" about the new regulation by some "directorship" who plastered posters on the buildings in downtown Baku.

Locals believe this new "regulation" comes in the preparation to the European Games so as not to "disturb" the beauty and esthetics of the city. Haha!

So yea, if you are in town for the games, please be aware that because of these unnecessary, expensive and overrated games Baku's local residents are even being prevented from their Eco-friendly, traditional ways of drying clothes. 

If you were ever interested in visiting Azerbaijan, now is the time!

Azerbaijan is a beautiful country. I personally love the country side, especially the north where one can find waterfalls, gorgeous mountains, stunning views not to mention mind blowing food that will leave you craving for more.

That is aside from the issues - poverty, unemployment, crackdown on freedom of speech and rights abuse. But hey here is a unique chance to see and taste both.

Normally its rather difficult to get into the country. Yes, surely there is a visa application process, but often it takes longer that the consulate/embassy promises too and every once in a while they can choose whether you actually deserve a visa or not.

But now that the country is about to host the European Games the visa regime is really simplified. You can actually obtain your visa at any of the listed airports (Ganja, Zaqatala, Nakhchivan (!), Baku and Gebele) so long as you provide a valid ticket for the games, an application form, passport sized photographs, visa fee, a travel document valid for at least three months (there is actually an additional comment on the website of Baku European Games warning that if your passport is even a day short you wont get a visa so make sure its all legit).

So if you are still interested, and would like to see both the overground and the underground of Azerbaijan and the "Dubainised Baku" here is your chance. Or until we get to host some other ridiculous international event.

To check visa fees click here and here is a price list for the games.

Good luck and enjoy!

Beneath European Games

#HelloBaku, Hello From Prison. #realBaku2015 #Azerbaijan #freeLeyla #freeKhadija https://t.co/pO0sP3556s pic.twitter.com/YoBv17dYqh
— AzerbaijaniDISSIDENT (@AzeDissident) April 3, 2015

Azerbaijan during European Games: what you probably don't know!

So by now, those who read this blog and follow me on Twitter know of the outrageous European Games Azerbaijan is preparing to host. The ridiculous amounts of money, the construction sites (that no one is going to use once these games are over), the copious amounts of statements on how great these games are going to be (is there any other way given the $$$ spent on this thing?!) and etc.

One thing Azerbaijani government cannot change however in the country (like they can't built high walls around this problem thats for sure) is traffic jams. They are terrible in the capital. You are stuck in them for hours - we have too many cars and too little roads and most importantly we have drivers who cannot drive (well, if you buy your driving license, I don't see how you would anyway).

So how you "built a wall" around this problem? Easy, you change working hours during the European Games. According to a recent decision by the Cabinet of Ministers in Azerbaijan working hours will be divided into four shifts:
- 25% of government employees will be starting their work at 8:00AM and work until 17.00PMl;
- Another 25% will work from 8.30AM until 17.30PM;
- 25% from 9.00AM until 18.00PM;
- 25% from 9.30AM until 18.30PM

Those employed in the non-governmental sector (as if we have many of these left) will work from 8.00AM until 17.00PM and from 8.30AM until 17.30PM. At least they are "advised" to do so.

These new working hours are in force starting May 1 lasting until July1.  

Clearly this is done to show off - so lets say this resolves the traffic jam problem (not that it would) what is going to happen after the games? Back to the normal working schedule and back to the endless traffic jams? Is this decision really about the people or about the visitors?

But this is not all, in addition to changing working hours and the normal schedule of the people, the government has advised not to hold any wedding ceremonies, and also prohibited to set up any mourning tents (there is a long standing tradition in Azerbaijan to put up tents when someone dies to mourn the deceased providing food and tea throughout the day to friends, family and acquaintances of the deceased. This is done according to Muslim traditions and is a common practice). This too is an interesting solution - so what now when someone dies, families wont be able to mourn? Or they will be obliged to have people visit homes?

So basically the European Games not only costing us billions of dollars (the government says its millions but the government says so many things in this country that is not true) but it also changing people's schedules not only for work, but also to marry and even die.

So dear visitors if you are planning to come to Azerbaijan around the games, know that all of this is at a great cost - literally and figuratively! 

Ali Hasanov's mastered skills to silence critics fails as he tries to silence animals as well

Ali Hasanov the head of social political department at the presidential apparatus claims the organizing committee has done a tremendous job getting the country ready for the upcoming European Games.

Even the European Olympics Committee has valued this progress highly notes Mr. Hasanov. 

“All of this proves that European Games will go down as the most magnificent games”. But unfortunately some forces are trying hard to engage in “black PR” and overshadow the development and progress achieved in this country economically, politically and socially” says Hasanov. These include Amnesty International and organization’s calls to boycott the games; spreading of disinformation; prearranged articles in foreign media full of blasphemy and so on. 

But the most leading institution in the so-called “black pr” campaign is Radio Liberty local bureau. “They are sharing videos of street dogs being killed as part of the "clean up" for the Olympic Games but no one can even prove the video was taken in Azerbaijan. It is obvious that by sharing such questionable facts those forces are simply spreading misinformation about the games. But this is nothing but crafty game against the country”, said Hasanov [Hasanov forgets to mention here that the video was shared by most of the online outlets yesterday morning, but was removed shortly after the news circulated online]. 

The video of stray dogs murdered in Balakhani district was shared widely on the social networks yesterday. Yelena Simakina who posted the video said in an interview with Azadliq Radiosu this was not the first time she has witnessed such brutality. “Almost every day there are street dogs that get killed. I filmed this about a week ago. Because you cannot kill stray animals in front of people, they bring them here. They shoot bigger dogs and beat the puppies to death with shovels” said Simakina [You can watch new footage here].

The killing range was quickly cleaned after the video circulated online. In an interview with Meydan TV the owner of the shelter repeated the words of Mr. Hasanov refuting any claims about killing of animals. “That video was probably taken in Soviet times” said the man. In the meantime the journalist zooms into the thick cloud of smoke in the back – exactly where the animals are getting burned after they are killed. 

Its certainly no soviet times, but the way the authorities treat the country reminiscent of those days – the crackdown, the surveillance and refuting all anti-government information. Azerbaijan might be in 21st century and about to host a multi billion sporting event, but the authorities’ methods to treat its people [and animals] are stuck somewhere in the past full of repression and crackdown.

I am pretty sure Orwell could possibly write a sequel to his 1984, “2015 same shit: 1984 disguised under billions of dollars”