'Running scared: Azerbaijan's Silenced Voices'

This is one of the most recent reports about Azerbaijan and post- Eurovision situation with human rights, freedom of press, journalists and more.

To read this report in Azerbaijani click here.

Running Scared: Azerbaijan's Silenced Voices

A storm is coming- a new wave of repression in Azerbaijan after Eurovision (Updated)

Updated (June 13th):
Today, June 13th, following a court hearing, Meham Huseynov, was officially released! Congratulations to all friends and supporters!
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And here we go... Its only been some weeks after Eurovision but already a new wave of repression is taking place in Azerbaijan. This time, the target is a young photojournalist and a blogger Mehman Huseynov. According to BBC Azerbaijani service [AZ] Huseynov received a subpoena from the police calling him into questioning based on article 221.1 of the Criminal Code- "blamed for hooliganism while showing resistance to government agent fulfilling his duty while protecting the public order or showing resistance to government agent preventing distortion of public order or resisting another person". But the subpoena fails to notify Huseynov whether he is called in as a witness or as a perpetrator. 

The BBC article reports that the Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that young journalist resisted police during a rally organized in front of the Baku City Administrative Office.

I will share more updates as soon as there are any. But so far, this looks nothing less than a new wave of repression by Azerbaijani authorities against young advocates. Looks like there is even an encouragement especially following recent visit by Hilary Clinton to Azerbaijan and little attention that was given to democracy and human rights abuses taking place sporadically and with no valid explanations. The question is, who is going to be next? The whole country?

Updated on June 12th, 2012:
Mehman Huseynov was taken into police custody tonight. He will be held there for two days despite absence of court decision. He is facing a charge on hooliganism and is facing imprisonment. According to this article in Radio Free Europe [AZ] local service, he is facing a year in prison if accusations are proved true. Mehman is also the employee of the Institute for Reporter's Freedom and Safety. Follow this Facebook group for more updates on the case: http://www.facebook.com/groups/375346329198459/?notif_t=group_added_to_group

Here are some links (visit the Facebook page as well for more updates) with Mehman's work:
- http://azerbaijan.usembassy.gov/pr_09212010.html - Mehman, 2010 winner of Democracy Challenge US State Dept. Photo Challenge;
- http://www.ndr.de/fernsehen/sendungen/zapp/medien_politik_wirtschaft/baku207.html - this recent German mini documentary on Eurovision featuring Mehman;
- http://www.youtube.com/user/HOSTEL19AZ - Mehman's personal YouTube channel with over 2.5million views

Eurovision 2012- what you see and don't see

This is my most recent storify story on Eurovision and Azerbaijan. More updates to come soon.

Show your solidarity and support human rights in Azerbaijan

Google Images

This is the title of a recently launched petition by "SingForDemocracy" initiative in the run up to the Eurovision 2012. Please visit this link to sign the petition and join the cause.

No matter how many people around the world support this song contest and are traveling to Azerbaijan to see it, they should all be aware of the reality hidden behind the facades of glamor and modernity in this country. 

Join the cause, sign the petition and make a difference- show your solidarity in making Azerbaijan a better place!

Idrak Abbasov- another journalist attacked and severaly beaten

Here is an image showing journalist Idrak Abbasov beaten today and who is currently hospitalized for his injuries. His attackers are free, probably looking for their new pray. 

Photo source

Ironically today was the day Idrak Abbasov received the Guardian journalism prize at the Index on Censorship free expression award.

The reason for his attack- simple and straightforward. He was doing something that wasn't pleasing to the employees and representatives of the State Oil Company (SOCAR). His attack is only one of the many and those to come in Azerbaijan, a country where democracy and freedom prospers on daily basis if you listen to some of the official statements.

This is a perfect example of prospering freedom in this case- anyone could basically beat up anyone- that is the notion and understanding of freedom...

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OSCE just issued a statement regarding the beating. Read the full statement here.

"What to see in Baku" or how- to-video- guide to using an audio guide

So I came across this video- from the series of new promo videos prepared ahead of the Eurovision song contest- apparently intended for showing beauties, monuments, architecture (or whatever is left of it) of the Old City, also known as "Icheri Sheher" (or Inner City). But to me it felt like this video is more about how to use the audio guide than the place itself. True there is footage of several spots in the Old City as well as mentioning of a restaurant but nothing more. And please, someone could have written a better script in English for this woman and also practice it with her- it felt like she was reading it for the first time.

Eurovision 2012- singing for democracy

I saw this image circulating and shared on Facebook today. Amid the glitter and poor tunes, lets make this year a special one for Eurovision.

'Baku state of mind'

I am sure many of you seen this video (below) about Baku prepared by two Peace Corp Volunteers, Tim and Brad (and if you haven't you must watch it). With catchy lyrics like

This is Azerbaijan, its called the land of fire

Where oil flows like honey

Nothing sweeter than my money

the duo is calling themselves 'Caspian Dreamers' and are in fact, candidates for the upcoming Eurovision song contest.

I should have written about them a while ago, but seeing an article in the Economist about them, actually prompted me to write this post only now. You can access the original article by the Economist here. The duo has a Facebook page too that you can access here.

I wonder if Kanye heard about this. I am sure he would have a great laugh too.

The Eurovision no one wants

After its victory in Eurovision 2011 this year, Azerbaijan is the host of the contest next year. However as great of an opportunity it would be for a country to attract international attention and visitors, for Azerbaijan, things look a lot gloomier. As a follow up to my previous post, here is a video [AZ] about present day Azerbaijan and all its "glamor". The country's leadership is no different than a raging bull clearing anyone who stands in its way (even if its an old woman, you will see in the video). 

The video starts with images and footage of recently demolished houses in the capital. It then shows clippings of arrested activists and journalists and more.