Vice Presidency for your own, intimidation for others

So the news of Mehriban Aliyeva, the wife of current president of Ilham Aliyev being appointed first VP traveled fast and for many has been a matter of ridiculing. 

It is pretty easy system- you are from the family, you get pampered, you get to do what you want, but if you are not... Then it is a whole other story. 

Just like the story of Netherlands based video blogger Ordukhan Babirov whose family members have been detained and questioned over the blogger's political activities outside of Azerbaijan. 

Or the story of Germany based rapper Jamal Ali. 

Or the story of 100 something political prisoners. 

Or like the stories of recently detained and sentenced to administrative detention activists: Rahim Shaliyev, Amil Mammadzade, Elchin Ismayilli, Farasat Ahmadov, Elvin Behremov and Namig Abbasaliyev. 

Or like the stories of so many others whose names we don't know. 

Yes, it is good to be part of the Aliyev family and be untouchable. 

Ilham Aliyev is after Azerbaijanis living abroad

It all started a while back. Arrests of opposition party members during the mid 2000, beatings, and persecution. Nosey journalists had to pay a hefty fine. Elmar Huseynov was murdered in front of his house in 2005. Then came more crackdown. In 2009 Azerbaijan had the referendum. Elections meant nothing, if not a little theatre performance Aliyev regime was extremely skilled with the most recent ones worthy of an Oscar if you ask me. 

While the Eurovision song contest in 2012 put Azerbaijan on the map, it did so with all its dirty business. By this point, there were a few investigative stories around to expose corruption and behind the doors businesses of the ruling family members as well as ministers and so on. 

In the meantime, just as corruption and personal wealth of the few grew, freedoms disappeared. 

Aliyev and his cronies watched closely. Or maybe he didn't because he is too busy for that, and his minions watched closely instead. They launched a new wave of crackdown. Everyone was to be punished if it contradicted what the government was saying and doing. It did not matter any more if you were a journalist, an activist, a youth activist, a human rights defender. Everyone was a target but the officials. 

I don't have to remind you of the prominent cases that were all over the news in 2014 and into 2016. 

The releases that seemed like the good news (even though they should not have happened in the first place) brought a wave of bad news soon after. 

It was time to re-fill, replace the spots in prisons. 

We thought it could not get uglier. When 20 somethings were sentenced to 10 years in jail for drawing graffiti (!!!) the 50 something judges who have carried out these sentences went back to their homes, comfortable, warm, with extra credit for lip service in their bootlick banks. 

In the meantime, family members of those who have fled the country were (and are) terrorised by the authorities (and surely no one has been punished for this either), called into questioning, and eventually faced with no other choice but to denounce their family members. Daughters, sons, just like that, lost their families not because they died (which also happened) but because their families were forced by the circumstances. 

And it got uglier. 

When mother of a rapper was detained for four days and questioned for a video her son released forcing him to remove the video from YouTube. 

And just yesterday [February 19] an Azerbaijani activist and video blogger Ordukhan Teymurkhan living abroad received a phone call from police officer in Baku telling him "had he been a man, his sisters would not be detained". 

Here is a bit more in detail about the case: 

So here is a reminder for anyone out there who thinks Aliyev is a good guy, or that things are changing for the better in Azerbaijan. Aliyev is not a good guy. He never was, he never will. And he will continue to do whatever he wants because there are no checks and balances. And honestly, I don't know how else to explain the fact that he has never had even the slightest of the intention to change. Again, Aliyev deserves Oscars for such an outstanding performance for making many believe things might change. 

Dispatches from Azerbaijan: European Parliament is bad, Mogherini is good, and more

Reading news feed from this morning, there was too much goodness not to share so in case you are sucker for real "good" news from Azerbaijan I suggest you stop reading right away. 

N!DA activists 

Let's start from two youth activists, members of N!DA movement who were detained May 10 and later charged with drug possession, after being beaten and tortured in detention. On June 2, while Amnesty International recognized Giyas Ibrahimov and Bayram Mammadov as "prisoners of conscience", the two despite it being almost a month are yet to see their families. Their lawyer thinks it is probably because police is trying to make sure their wounds have healed so their parents cannot spot how heavily they have been tortured or simply a way to pressure the young men. 

Mehdiyev's second diatribe 

Its been a while since last diatribe from the head of the Presidential Apparatus, Ramiz Mehdiyev. The last time he published a 60 page article, it was beginning of unprecedented crackdown [December 2014]. Then he wrote about western colonialism, lambasting Western players, in particular the US of double standards, biased approach and anti-Azerbaijan sentiment. This time [az], Mehdiyev wrote about West establishing world domination. He then goes into arguing that the only strong state system is possibly only in presidential administration system. According to Mehdiyev, it is the IMF, WB, WTO and other financial institutions that are directly responsible for violating state sovereignty [wonder if the man is out of touch with his people, because he does not seem to be objecting the government borrowing money from these institutions for various projects and initiatives]. 

But looks like it wasn't just Mehdiyev who decided to bash some "Westerners" this week. 

Ilham Aliyev on fire, but wrong time and wrong place 

 

Next in line for bashing was European Parliament. This time it was President Aliyev who was critical. "The adoption of unfounded resolutions full if insults served to cut Azerbaijani ties with the EP", said the president in a meeting with Norica Nicolai [Vice-Chair of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe at the European Parliament, Eastern Partnership rapporteur for Azerbaijan] and Iveta Grigule [member of the European Parliament]. President Aliyev accused the president and vice president of the European Parliament of being part of anti-Azerbaijan forces. But not to worry because Norica Nicolai doesn't really respect people's rights and freedoms in Azerbaijan. She was one of the delegation members who traveled to Azerbaijan to observe Presidential elections in 2013 who issued a positive report in contrast to ODIHR. Nicolai was also featured in European Stability Initiative's report "Disgraced: Azerbaijan and the end of election monitoring as we know it". 

In 2015, Nicolai published an article where she wrote: 

It is also a country in a very delicate, yet so far stable, political situation. Dealing with its government has to be done according to local cultural customs and whatever action has to be backed with concrete policies. In other words, carrots are more useful than sticks in this region of the world. Sending their Government critical resolutions from the EP every year, without actually giving them any real reason to listen is at best, a pointless exercise.

Wondering what she meant by "local cultural customs". Perhaps the customs of violating elections and silencing critics? Maybe I get to ask this question to Ms. Nicolai when I get a chance to meet her in person but for now, lets assume her only best intentions. 

So Ilham Aliyev bashing EP to Nicolai and Grigule, who by the way happens to be no accidental guest and is also known for supporting Aliyev, wasn't really about bashing and more about wining. 

If you haven't had enough and still want more depressing news from Azerbaijan then I suggest watching this video. It is in Russian but it is about the detention and torture of two N!DA activists.  

But do not worry if even after that you still care to read a bit more, there is plenty of depressing news every day, just stay tuned, and I as always be sharing more with you here.

When rape and fear is your only weapon

"[...] the policemen beat them, forced them to take their pants off, and threatened to rape them with truncheons and bottles if they did not confess to drug possession. Following the abuse, they confessed to drug possession before they were allowed to see their lawyer."

This is not a movie script. This is police brutality in Azerbaijan, member of Council of Europe, signatory to a number of international conventions and treaties. This is the country, whose president recently shook hands with President Obama, smiling, proud while people like Ilgar Mammadov and Khadija Ismayilova are kept in silence behind the bars in Azerbaijan prisons. 

This a country that hosts conventions, UN events, sporting events all the while stealing from its people and living off like kings at the expense of its people. 

It is a country where police never found perpetrators behind Elmar Huseynov, journalist who was brutally murdered in front of his house in 2005. It is a country where police never fully explained and got the bottom of a murder another journalist/writer Rafig Tagi. It is a country where police failed to find those were behind setting secret cameras in journalist Khadija Ismayilova's apartment, and those who later blackmailed her with sex tapes and released them online.

But is a country where police is quick to fabricate charges against activists and notable individuals. It is a country where police can easily "discover" following a "thorough investigation" substantial amounts of heroin or molotov cocktails or arms in homes of activists, journalists, and other government critics. 

It should not be surprising then it also happens to be a country featured in Panama Papers and where its leader is stealing off just fine. 

The opening quote in this post was from a recent reported published by Human Rights Watch documenting recent arrest of two youth activists and their treatment inside the police. The report also said, "They [the two young men] were also forced to clean the toilets and yard of the police station while police filmed them. While at the station trying to get access to Mammadov and Ibrahimov, Sadigov [lawyer] saw police kick and humiliate his clients as they cleaned the station yard. Sadigov tried to intervene to stop the ill-treatment, but police physically pushed him out of the station."

I understand Aliyev's personal pleasure in silencing his critics, but does this recent treatment indicates that he also gets pleasure from his thugs called police raping these people as well?

N!DA activists OUT, N!DA activists IN

If you at any point, thought release of Azerbaijan's 14 political prisoners, suspension of sentences of Intigam Aliyev, Rauf Mirkadirov and permission to leave Azerbaijan granted to couple Leyla and Arif Yunus by the regime in Baku was a sign of progress, you were deeply deeply mistaken. It was not. Perhaps a sign of back door diplomacy working wonders yes, perhaps a sign of exchange of favors yes, but certainly, definitely and with full assurance NOT a sign president Aliyev and his government has any intention to become good all of a sudden.

Why? Well lets start from a criminal case launched against Meydan TV shortly after president Aliyev returned from his successful trip to Washington DC. Then there was another notice- 15 journalists  named in the investigation case against Meydan TV. Several current political prisoners motions for release and/or house arrest were dismissed by local courts and so on. 

And just yesterday there were news of two N!DA activists being detained. Hours after their detention their whereabouts are not known, their family and friends have not heard of them. Why? Because the government of Azerbaijan can do it. Because there are no checks and balances and because they hate, literally despise anyone who stands out and commits any act of disobedience. 

Bayram Mammadov and Giyasaddin Ibrahim were detained allegedly for writing "Fuck the System!" [in English] and "Happy Slaves Day!" [In Azerbaijani "Qul Bayraminiz Mubarek" ahead of Gul Bayrami or Flower Day celebrations] on a statue of Heydar Aliyev. May 10 is celebrated as Flower Day but also as President Heydar Aliyev's birthday. Since 2009, the government spent millions on celebrating this holiday bringing in flowers from all over the world and throwing them away two days later. This year however, as a result of the escalation on the front line and deaths of Azerbaijani service men, there was a symbolic celebration planting flowers. 

Strangely while the government pays its respects to the military personnel it did not do the same when ten days before the first celebrations of the Flower Day in 2009 there was an attack at the State Oil Academy killing more than a dozen of students and professors according to official data. 

So where does this all leave us?! Well, where we see that nothing has really changed in Azerbaijan and that official Baku's revolving door policy used against its critics is very much alive. And if the government is so much about respecting the dead, then we should cancel Azerbaijan's participation in Eurovision song contest, the Formula 1 race, and all other upcoming celebrations until we resolve all our troubles. 

This of course is called wishful thinking...

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. 

Just another shitty day in Azerbaijan

Its just one of those days. Shitty days. When you are left speechless and hopeless and weak and don't know what to do, what to say. 

Today, another veteran journalist in Azerbaijan got sentenced to 6 years in jail. Another bogus charge of course. And another good person behind bars. 

Also today, President Aliyev pardoned 210 prisoners. And while many of political prisoners, their families, their loved ones hoped and waited for at least some good news nothing happened. None of the political prisoners made it on to the list. They will have to wait for the next pardon (possibly in March), when his highness will have the mercy to forgive these innocent people who should not have been in jail in the first place. 

Arastun Orujlu, political scientist said today that it would have been good to have at least some of the prisoners released especially to get in the way of the recently discussed sanctions.  

Parliament member Malahat Ibrahimqizi on the other hand claims that those pardoned deserve a second chance because these people have accepted their sins and have become healthy individuals eager to be freed. "The reason these people were pardoned was because they regret their crimes. As for those talking about political prisoners should not turn the pardon into some kind of political bargain".  

So basically it is absolutely ok to have people who have done drugs, sold drugs, killed people, and stole from people released while keep people who have never hurt a single soul, who have only spoken truth and have done wonderful, good and rights things in jail because they refuse to accept the "crimes" they never committed? Is that what she means by "healthy individuals"?

Bravo! And these are the people who "represent" the nation in the parliament, making decisions, adopting laws, and "caring" for the people. I guess she is just one of those "healthy individuals" herself.

She should have met the families of political prisoners then today. I think that would have really shown her the reality of stupidity of her words! 

She should have heard what blogger Omar Mammadov's parents had to say about the decision. "I do not understand why they are treating their own people this way? Why this cruelty? At least they should have the decency to come and say why they are being so cruel?", said Mammadov's father shortly after he too realized his son was not going to join his family this year either. 

Others blamed it on the sanctions. It was because of the mounting pressure that the government decided to retaliate commented one of the members of the working group on human rights in charge of compiling and presenting a list of prisoners to the government (strangely this group doesn't recognize the list of 93 political prisoners compiled by another group of rights defenders and journalists whose authors are currently in jail with an exception of Leyla Yunus). 

But this decision has nothing to do with the sanctions. Aliyev is simply showing muscle at the expense of innocent people and their hopes. Because this wicked game he is playing is the only understanding he has- because he is afraid that if he pardons political prisoners today, he will be viewed as a weak leader among his own kind and perhaps one day will be challenged himself. Because he knows no other way. And because he doesn't give a damn about any of those individuals. And because he prefers to have thugs and thieves roam around the country because they will never challenge Aliyev.  

And this is essentially what Aliyev fears the most- the power of wisdom and good will these people actually have. 

Something tells me there will be many more shitty days to come...

Azerbaijan's political prisoners- 93 and counting?!

Even though the officials in Baku dismiss any claims about the existence of political prisoners in Azerbaijan, a working group on human rights concluded yesterday an updated list, with names of 93 individuals. 

Following their meeting yesterday, the group said 3 out of 80 people who were on the list as of May 2015 were released. But the list was expanded to include new names. 

The list of political prisoners is updated based on the criteria of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly resolution adopted in 2012. Based on this criteria, 16 more names were added to the previous list making the total number of political prisoners in the country 93. 

An official pardon decree is expected in the following days. A different working group compiled its own list with 22 names. Arzu Abdullayeva, one of the members of this working group, said their list includes the names of prisoners of conscience and activists from various civil society organizations. 

But this working group does not recognize the list compiled by the working group who authored the first list of political prisoners (with over 90 names). 

Dispatches from Azerbaijan: preparations for Formula 1, reactions to critical of Azerbaijan bills and investigations and more

Ah my dear Azerbaijan. What has become of you?! Your diplomats are seeking political asylum in foreign countries, some of your most honest and dedicated people are in jail, some of your best have left the country in search for better jobs and opportunities, others building their lives back home while the rest are stuck between the daily struggle of survival and existence.

Depressing? Worse! Its a disgrace! For a country that made billions worth in revenues, to keep its people in such conditions is nothing but shameful. 

But no one is taking the blame or feels the least bit ashamed of their acts- and I am speaking about official Baku, those greedy officials, parliament members, who are rubbing their full bellies, rich on their greed and lip service. And they won't do or say anything to jeopardize their comforts because they know all too well what their lives would be like otherwise. And why not?! There are always scapegoats and "foreign powers jealous of prospering Azerbaijan" to blame.

Take for instance Azerbaijan's few diplomats who were recently stripped of their diplomatic credentials after breaking down the usual diplomatic mantra of "yes President Aliyev, right President Aliyev, we salute you President Aliyev and we will do whatever you say President Aliyev, even if means selling ourselves". Arif Mammadov who was former Ambassador to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in the EU; Nahid Jafarov, former consul general of the Azerbaijan Embassy to the Netherlands, and Anar Hasanov, former secretary of the Azerbaijan Embassy in Australia- all have been dismissed, just like that, as if their time "expired" like daily food products. 

The moment they opened their mouths in the direction of truth, exposing corruption and the unjust Aliyev's regime, they were "called in". 

In the meantime, preparations are in full swing for the Formula 1 race. It is happening. Next year. And rumor has it, Azerbaijan is hosting the race because Heydar Aliyev junior is a big fan- of course this is just a rumor but nonetheless it is costing Azerbaijan serious $$$. The minister of youth and sports confirmed today that the country is spending some 12millionAZN [AZ] for the race. 5millions were already spent. Who knows how much the country is spending in reality. But whatever it is, the budget won't get filled by the series of ridiculous fines the parliament of Azerbaijan recently introduced. And do not worry, 30,000 tickets will be sold and Azerbaijanis will be able to purchase tickets on 40% discount. I am just not sure whether 30,000 tickets is what they are planning to sell in addition to 40% discount tickets. Otherwise if a few ministries are forced to buy these tickets (as we have seen happen in the past to fill out the venues) not sure how we are supposed to make any revenues from that? But hey, I am no economist, and perhaps there is something I don't see (I am relying for this on my usual critics/trolls who have a tendency to shower me with their opinions on this).

And last but not least we have some developments from the Council of Europe and US. On December 16, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjorn Jagland, launched an official inquiry into Azerbaijan's implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights. Jagland said he will "send representatives to Azerbaijan to seek explanations from the authorities concerning the country's implementation of the Human Rights Convention". Surely Azerbaijan officials were quick to respond. Aydin Mirzazade, MP said this decision exceeded Jagland's powers. However, someone needs to remind Mr. Mirzazade that under article 52 of the European Convention on Human Rights, Secretary General- in this case Mr. Jagland-can actually launch an inquiry to find out how domestic law in any member state is implemented. Mr. Mirzazade should actually be ashamed of the state of freedoms and liberties in Azerbaijan rather than criticizing European institution. 

Also on December 16, United States Representative Chris Smith (R, NJ), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, introduced draft legislation entitled the "Azerbaijan Democracy Act of 2015" (ADA). "The bill is a strong policy response to [this] unprecedented attack on democracy, human rights and civil society in Azerbaijan. The legislation is modeled on the Belarus Democracy Act, which was passed into law during a harsh crackdown on civil society in Belarus. It recognizes the important national security and economic interests that do exist between the United States and Azerbaijan but sends the message that cooperation in areas of mutual interest is hindered by Azerbaijan's gross human rights violations including repression of the political opposition, the media and the religious minorities". 

For Hikmat Hajiyev, Azerbaijan's foreign ministry spokesperson this document is of course the outcome of "Armenian lobby". Oh God, for once, come up with a credible excuse!

Siyavush Novruzov, MP was quick to dismiss [AZ] the bill adding he had doubts the bill will get accepted anyway so there was no need to worry.

The head of the national parliament Ogtay Asadov demanded [AZ] that the US Embassy in Azerbaijan made an official statement clarifying whether this was just one opinion of one congressman rather than official position of the country. During the meeting at the parliament on December 18, Asadov hinted that Azerbaijan's "friends" in the US congress (of which the country apparently has enough) will stop this bill from going any further.

The question is what will be official Baku's next move- will it jail more people? Or will it change its mind about the list of prisoners the president pardons at the end of the year? Or some other hideous fine list? Who knows?! We shall wait and see...

One political prisoner in, another out

Looks like Aliyevistan is determined to keep the number of political prisoners as it is. While today (December 9) friends and colleagues of veteran human rights activist and director of Peace and Democracy Institute LeylaYunus celebrated her release from jail on 5- year suspended sentence another political activist was arrested. Fuad Gahramanli, vice president of Azerbaijan's Popular Front was arrested on charges of calling to overthrow the state.

The statement of the prosecutor office said that after investigating Gahramanli's Facebook account as of September 2015, enough evidence was found showing Gahramanli was calling on the citizens to mobilize against the authorities and that Gahramanli incited residents of Nardaran to extremism and religious discrimination. 

While Gahramanli's lawyer is preparing to appeal the decision, Yunus's lawyer said while he welcomed the release of the couple he is not satisfied with the charges and the suspended release. 

The first thing Leyla Yunus did following her release was to visit her mother's grave. She looked extremely weak but her wit was very much alive. She sighted a Russian poem and told journalists to go home and read. "Read Solzhenitsyn, Dr. Jivago, Pasternak, read..." she said as she was being walked home by her husband Arif Yunus who too was released under the same five year suspended sentence. 

When one of the journalists asked her how she felt about the court's decision, Leyla Yunus replied "fantastic", and cited the following poem by Fyodor Tyutchev:

It's not given us to foretell
how our words will echo through the ages,
but sympathy is given us
as grace is given us.

This summer Leyla Yunus was sentenced to 8 years and 6 months in jail while her husband Arif Yunus was sentenced to 7 years.

But there are many others remain behind bars. My thoughts are with Khadija Ismayil, Intigam Aliyev, Seymur Hazi, Parviz Hashimli, Rasul Jafarov, Ilgar Mamedov, Anar Mammadli, N!DA activists and young bloggers as well as many others. 

In the meantime, congratulations to the Yunus family.

Azerbaijan on mute

In Azerbaijan, the judicial system is a black hole. Rarely do cases get resolved. The judiciary is a corrupt institution with its judges scoring golden stars by their mere ruthless behavior in courts. And this is more so the case when it comes to Azerbaijan's political prisoners or as many international rights watchdogs call them, prisoners of conscience. 

Having a fair trial as a political prisoner in the country is unimaginable. They make you feel helpless no matter how many lawyers you have, no matter how much evidence there is that proves clearly you are innocent. 

Turns out there is more they can actually do to silence you. 

Recently the Ministry of Justice installed "glass cages" as opposed to normal holding cells installed inside the court rooms. The defendant has a microphone but its control is in the hands of the presiding judge.

And so, when the voice of Khadija Ismayil was "muted" during her preliminary hearing on October 15 it was not at all surprising. The judge clearly was not interested in her commentary and perhaps he was not interested in her case at all. Not only have they silenced her by putting her in jail on bogus charges, preventing her from doing her job as a journalist, but now they are trying to mute her completely, not even let her speak at the court. 

During Leyla Yunus and Arif Yunus preliminary hearing which also took place yesterday, their microphone was not even on so the couple had no idea what is being discussed inside the court room at all.

So where is tolerance in that? The tolerance that Mehriban Aliyeva was proudly boasting about just few weeks ago in Paris? Where is democracy in that? The one that President Aliyev talks about all the time? Where is respect for your own citizens?

There isn't one. The government of Azerbaijan has no tolerance or respect for its very own people. It treats them like animals, keeping them on a leash and feeds them propaganda and gets away with it just fine in an unjust system that only benefits those who are ready to suck up and lose their humanness or throw it down the toilet for comforts of life and Aliyev- style security.

Welcome to muted Azerbaijan ladies and gentleman.

Aliyev is suing French channel for calling him a despot

But President Aliyev is forgetting that France isn't Azerbaijan and while in Azerbaijan he can hire and buy out a whole court and prosecutor office to do as he pleases, things don't work the same way in France.

Last week, French TV aired an investigative piece (to me also work of art) about President Aliyev, his by now mastered caviar diplomacy, the country's corruption levels and poor rights record. Cash Investigation- the brain behind the show and its host, French journalist Elise Lucet was able to attend the opening gala of a photo exhibition ironically titled "Azerbaijan- the land of tolerance". Not only Lucet was able to attend the opening but she also was able to ask few questions to Mehriban Aliyev who was there (of course how could she not!) as the head of Heydar Aliyev Foundation who also happened to be the chief sponsor of the event.

Here is brief conversation:

Elise Lucet: Is your country really a land of tolerance?

Mehriban Aliyeva: Land of tolerance? Of course, it is. 

Elise Lucet: Because you have many political prisoners in jail right now in Azerbaijan.

Mehriban Aliyeva: It is not true. Just get correct information.

Elise Lucet: Do you know Leyla Yunus [repeats the question twice] or Khadija Ismayilova? They are in jail! They have been sentenced from 7.5 to 8.5 years in jail.

Needles to say, Lucet shortly after [like within seconds] was kicked all the way to the back of the crowd because security [of course] didnt like the questions. Even if Lucet tried explaining to the security that she is French journalist and that this was France the security was quick to say "This was not a press conference". He then asked her to "Please be silent [repeating it a few times] Be quiet!"

Anyhow, you can watch the whole show, and you are in luck especially if you are French speaker.

Turns out, the ruling family was unhappy about this encounter and the show so they hired Olivier Pardo to represent Azerbaijan. Padro turns to be the right person for the job. He already said the program while accusing Azerbaijan of being "strictest dictatorship" failed to present evidence. Looks like Padro also missed the whole episode or maybe didn't listen to the facts in the show. But then it is not surprising, because Padro also represented Equatorial Guinea in France in a case known as "ill-gotten gains" when anti-corruption NGOs managed to launch an investigation into the cases of three African leaders' names mentioned in large- scale fraud. Representing that case, Pardo said, "the case of the "ill-gotten gains" violated international law and that he would contest the case and pursue France through the international courts".  

Sadly that investigation didn't lead to concrete results as French Court stopped short of making a ruling saying an NGO Transparency International "could not itself bring a complaint against three African heads of state". 

Pardo's list of clients is full of "murky" figures. He also represented Imad Lahoud, computer specialist whose name popped up in an corruption investigation in France; Carlos Vejarano, the manager of the Arros Island in Seychelles, and used as tax heaven- and these are just a few based on a short google search.

So Pardo has a record of representing a certain kind of clients so it should come as no surprise he also took on the case of Aliyevs, who also fall perfectly well into this category. 

The question now is will this case actually receive any attention in France? So far French TV channel has not responded and many see this as a "warning". But warning to whom? To all international investigative organizations and independent television? 

Aliyev must really have forgotten what independent journalism is having silenced his own journalists...

Keep calm and stop worrying, President Aliyev will get to the bottom of it

President Aliyev, said he is going to closely follow up the murder of Rasim Aliyev. This is perhaps worst development because now that its president who is personally involved in the case, I fear, there wont be any justice. 

On August 10, Aliyev's aid, Ali Hasanov said "Ilham Aliyev sees the death of the journalist as direct threat and intimidation to freedom of speech and information as well as free press". 

Just for your information, President Aliyev promised to find the perpetrators when another journalist Elmar Huseynov was murdered in 2005 (just two years after Aliyev's election as the country's president). Then in 2011 when yet another journalist, Rafig Tagi died following fatal stabbing no progress was made into his case either. 

I fear President Aliyev's hearty message is a signal of yet another murder case go down in history as mystery. 

But if President Aliyev really wants to solve this mystery all he needs to do is let freedom of press, speech, and information really exist in Azerbaijan and independent journalist do their job without constant threats and beating from the police and thugs. 

Or he should simply ask himself a very basic question - when was the last time he met with independent press and why one of the country's most prominent journalists while following her right to speech freedom and freedom of information is currently on trial. Or why, do we have journalists and bloggers in jail? 

It is time to take responsibility for direct actions. Rasim's murder is the result of President and his aids' irresponsible way of ruling this country amid the atmosphere of fear, intimidation, and mafia like leadership.

Turns out not only they are fake but they are also aggressive

They can also beat you up, or break your camera or attack you with a broken bottle as we saw outside Khadija Ismayil's trial today (August 7). The absurdity of it all is unexplainable, I cannot put in words how bizarre all of this is. 

So remember the fake court attendants? Well turns out they are not so fake after all. They are listed in the directory of the court and get called in to "attend" the trials of those defendants whose hearings are likely to be quickly filled up with friends and colleagues. 

I remember attending the hearing of N!DA activists when I was in Baku. I also remember attending several times the hearing of the donkey bloggers. The rooms were almost always full with friends, colleagues, diplomatic staff and so on. 

People would cheer for the defendants, somehow raising their spirit I suppose or perhaps to comfort themselves - I did, I was happy to see them all alive each time, see them smile and wave at every familiar face they saw at the court. It is such a different world that it is also very hard to put down in words.

But this time it is all very different. 

Just like it was during the hearing of Leyla and Arif Yunus, many of the people who actually knew Khadija were left outside the court, waiting. 

One of the local journalist, former political prisoner himself said he was familiar with this phenomenon of fake attendants. They are on speed dial and often are invited to fill out the seats. They are also paid a dismal amount of 5 to 10AZN.

So when a group of these fake attendants were caught on cameras leaving the court room instinctively the local reporters jumped on the opportunity to ask who they were. After all, perhaps it was possible that Khadija had some very very very very distant relatives even she herself didn't know existed?! 

Turns out they were not the distant relatives nor were they in the mood for much talking. In fact a few of them were unhappy. So unhappy that they were ready to beat the crap out of the reporters who approached them in the first place asking questions about who they were and where they were coming from. 

Eventually one had his camera broken, the other almost had the same but managed to save himself. 

The optimist in me wants to think they were angry not because they were asked questions but because they were so deeply disappointed with the show trial and how badly it was organized that they just couldn't handle the anger and simply had to burst out at the journalists. But we all know this is not the case. 

Today we saw that our people are ready to sell themselves for some petty cash, sit in a court of a person they don't know, snap and yell at journalists they don't know and then get to walk away freely as if nothing happened and as if it was not a human life that they just watched the whole day inside that court room get unjustly accused of the crimes she never committed.  

I guess Aliyev deserves real pat on the shoulder for achieving this almost robot like thinking and the enmity of people towards each other. It is his way of ruling that forces people to the extremes and these fake attendants are just one example.

As for us, outside observers, all that is left is to watch, bite our nails and pointlessly yell at our screens as we watch yet another innocent life get silenced for truth.

A comprehensive list of restrictions introduced during the European Games 2015

Source: EurasiaNet.org http://www.eurasianet.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/galleria_fullscreen/042815_0.jpg

President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, is allowed to do many things. Apart from jailing, intimidating, and ruining people's lives, he is also very creative when it comes to complicating people's lives even further (not that it wasn't complicated already).  

As we all know, European Games (aka European Olympic Games, which later were quickly changed into European Games) are fast approaching. In just a little less than a month, international athletes are going to ascend into the capital of this "rich", "democratic", "tolerant" and glitzy capital.  

Guests will be shown (only what is allowed to show) and eat (only where it is allowed to eat) and probably even use the toilet (only where it is allowed to) because of a simple fear of showing the true conditions.  

And don't get disappointed  if you step out on the streets in the search for billboards and quotes with late and current president's wisdom - they have been deleted but don't worry, if you come again (with a strong emphasis on "if") you might see it again everywhere around you.  

But with no further a due, here is a list of restrictions introduced thanks to these games:

• all large and small “happiness palaces” - which is another name for large venues where normally Azerbaijanis host wedding parties and other ceremonies – are banned from work (this might not affect families to be but certainly the people who work at these venues whose sole income depends on these institutions);
• no large vehicles (and in some cases buses) – trucks – will be allowed to enter/exit the city of Baku (the same story applies – what about all those men employed in this job?);
• all the small street vendors – which sold phone credit, sunflower seeds, and little things as such – would also be banned from working on the streets;
• drivers earning their income by providing taxi services here and there will be banned from doing so unless they are driving a new car. All old cars wont be allowed to drive in downtown area;
• no illegal parking (around the vicinity of the arena)
• alcohol wont be sold (given the games coincide with the month of Ramadan and so the committee decided to ban sale of spirits all together); pedestrians will have designated roads for walking;
• there wont be any construction work (in the vicinity of the arena); all street beggars will be taken out of the city (there has been no official decision on this but likely to happen);
• oh, and i almost forgot, you cannot die during the games, because if you do, your family and relatives and friends wont be able to hold a burial ceremony as it too is banned.

And as I have written earlier, residents of the capital are requested not to hang clothes outside on their balconies and etc.  

But these are not the only limits. Those who read this blog, are aware of a much bigger and sever crackdown against rights groups, activists and journalists taking place in the country. And yet, the government officials continue to claim its all lies – that its all part of this large, international black PR campaign. Just like the first deputy chairman of the national assembly Ziyafet Asgarov who said, “it is very disappointing that a number of international organizations along with some local non-governmental organizations have joined in some black pr campaign in the wake of first European Games. I am disappointed to see that this campaign is trying to discredit Azerbaijan. Instead, they [the government of Azerbaijan] should be thanked for taking on this responsibility and be thanked”. 

Hmm... I am trying really hard to find at least one little thing to thank our government for but nothing comes to mind really!  

When mouthpiece of a repressive regime gets intimidated by a "young lady"

After writing about my encounter with the two mouthpiece representatives of Azerbaijani pro-government media, I thought I give you the chance to really experience the absurdity of that situation. So I share with you the video recording from that infamous session when I, "young lady" was making "biased" interventions when talking about Azerbaijan where as my friend Yara Badr said later "birds are singing" and everything is better than anywhere else in the world. 

For the record, I was born and raised in Azerbaijan unlike what Hidayet bey claims. 

Also for the record, Hidayet bey was inquiring about my life, my work, my upbringing shortly after when both of these men "invited" me to their table over coffee break to really "inform" me about who they are and once again "remind" me that I had no idea about the state of Azerbaijani media. 

But more on this specific encounter later. 

Eurovision Star Loreen calls for release of Rasul Jafarov

I'm Pissed and heart broken. My dear friend Rasul Jafarov has been sentenced to jail by Azerbaijani authorities. Please spread the word and let¹s get him out!#freerasul @crdefenders #Humanrights
Posted by Loreen on Monday, 20 April 2015

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.

Beneath European Games

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

Ali Hasanov's another ridiculous statement

Ali Hasanov, recently promoted minion, ehm... excuse me... government official proclaimed Azerbaijani media is free like a bird. The head of the political and public affairs department at the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration said the country cannot imagine its existence without free and independent media. 

Well Mr. Hasanov, I have got news for you - free and independent media imagines its existence without you! 

You didn't know?! I hate to break it to you but thats the truth. 

I thought you would know by now especially after you have managed along with other hard-working minions, ehm... excuse me yet again... government officials to shut down any independent media?! 

But I must say there is so much truth in your words like when you said "unverified, tendentious or ordered information make its way into media" - you of all people know how well this process works in Azerbaijan. 

But in case you think other countries might get misled by Azerbaijani news - do not worry. Pretty much everyone knows how you have silenced Azerbaijan's independent media and that all that's left isn't really media but a weak and pathetic platforms that I personally feel sorry about - because these so-called media platforms and those so-called journalists are nothing more but your apologists. Too bad for them. As they waste their lives being a tool in the hands of people like you. Although who knows, their salaries might be making them happy to be tools. In this case, too bad for their dignities. 

Oh and one more thing, since you are so worried about "humanity" as you mention in your speech, can you spare at least a bit of that and get our political prisoners out? Or your humanity is only enough for your international image?! Enough to recognized existence of political prisoners elsewhere but in your own country?! Yea, I thought so... That you lack the courage and what it takes to be a true politician is something that everyone knows and "not only in our country but throughout the whole world". 

Perhaps Mr. Hasanov, you take this advice: get a life and stop being a tool in someone's hands. Although you might be an already lost cause.