Aliyev's mask is finally off

It just keeps getting better and better. After appointing his wife as VP, intimidating family members of dissident activists living abroad, president Aliyev's minions go after popular video blogger, author of numerous videos critical of the government and its officials of their lavish life styles. Court in Baku sentenced Mehman Huseynov to two years on charges of slander. 

This is important. Huseynov is the first journalist/blogger to be openly sentenced for slander. So the mask is finally off for president Aliyev. No need for cover ups and camouflages. And why should he be hiding anymore anyway. He has changed the constitution, secured presidency for life, violated every single possible human rights convention Azerbaijan signed up to and got away with it, made his wife his vice president. 

Mehman's sentence means that the government in Azerbaijan no longer needs to hide its true colors; that more arrests will follow [not that there were many independent voices left anyway] and that we have successfully transitioned to being banana republic (not that we were too far from  becoming one). 

I think someone should tell one of Aliyev's minions they should add that description into one of Aliyev's speeches where he boasts about democracy, freedoms, modernism and so on. "In addition to many strengths of our country, we have also successfully built a banana republic".

***Updated
Also today, court extended pre-trial detention period of Faig Amirli, finance director at opposition Azadliq newspaper by three months;
Another court extended pre-trial detention of political activist Fuad Ahmadli by three months;
And yet another court extended pre-trial detention of another journalist Elchin Ismayilli until June;

Short update on Azerbaijan (written for a separate publication, reposting here)

On September 26, 2016 Azerbaijan confirmed the adoption of 29 constitutional amendments, strengthening the power vested in the hands of the ruling regime. Similar to previous elections, September Referendum took place not without election fraud and violations. Videos, interviews, and independent reporting documenting these violations was swept under the carpet as per business as usual. As a result next presidential elections in Azerbaijan will take place in 2020 rather than in 2018 as the presidential term limit were extended from 5 to 7 years. Among other changes are right granted to the incumbent president to call for early elections; dissolve the parliament; and appoint a first vice president who would replace the current president as his constitutional successor. In addition, minimum age for running in parliamentary and presidential elections was reduced to 18 years of age and so on. In a statement issued by the Venice Commission "proposed amendments would severely upset the balance of power by giving unprecedented powers to the president". 

Ali Hasanov, presidential aide described the changes as necessary in order for the government to work more efficiently. For those familiar with this small nation on the shores of the Caspian and rich in energy resources, official Baku already had all the powers it needed to run a country already constrained by corruption, appalling press freedom and human rights record. On January 24, court sentenced independent journalist Rovshan Mammadov to 30 days of administrative detention. Earlier, court sentenced member of youth organization N!DA to a similar charge while fining popular citizen journalist and blogger Mehman Huseynov for allegedly resisting police. Court in Baku in addition sentenced to other members of N!DA movement to ten years in jail on bogus drug possession charges while many critics of the regime saw this sentence as a grave punishment for the two men drawing graffiti on the statue of the late presindent on Flower day, which is know to celebrate late President, Heydar Aliyev's birthday. In addition to the case of Rovshan Mammadov and Mehman Huseynov, at least five other journalists have been arrested or detained by the authorities in recent months including Afgan Sadygov; Zamin Haji, Ikram Rahimov, Fikret Faramazoglu, and Teymur Kerimov according to monitoring by press freedom watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists. 

In the meantime the country witnessed second devaluation and price hikes, which according to the country's independent economists are direct result of mismanagement of the country's economy including wrong economic policies of diversification, presence of monopolies, and rampant corruption. Just weeks ahead of the September Referendum, Bloomberg reported about a halt in foreign currency sales as local currency manat continued to depreciate while demand by businesses and households soared. 

Overall, given the circumstances, there is little space for positive projection for 2017 as restrained conditions remain across the country and regime in Baku continues to push for its personal gains over country wide and much needed and long time overdue reforms.

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...

Why Western decision makers cannot be silent anymore

A few days ago, I had the privilege to speak at UNHRC. Here is the full transcript from that event.

***

I last spoke here in Geneva, three months ago. And while I wish I could share with you the news about progress achieved on the ground since then, I cannot. 

Independent voices are still being muzzled while their families are used as bates by the local police to submit them into a state of desperateness- to force them into silence. 

Not all give into the intimidation. 

One of these brave individuals is Gunel Movlud, talented journalist, working for a dissident media outlet Meydan TV. She has seen it all- her parents disowning her and then her two brothers getting arrested, both being charged with drug possession. 

After their arrest, Movlud wrote:

 The arrest of my two brothers left my parents who are both battling with their health to death. Yes, I am afraid, of my family, my child, of my family getting ruined this way, of my life, of the life of my relatives. They can do anything. I am afraid and fear is absolutely normal. But I will continue my work even if I am afraid. This is not a sign of some bravery. It is just I cannot see myself live a different life. Those who cannot keep silent will continue to speak up. With love to all people with dignity! 

On December 22, 2015, one of her brothers was sentenced to one year in jail based on article 234.1 of the criminal code- possession of drugs. He left behind three kids, and two sick parents, one suffering from diabetes, the other form cancer. 

Just a few days ago, on March 7th, it was the three-year anniversary of 8 young men- at the time between 16 and 28 years of age- unjustly arrested, tried in a theater court, and then sentenced to jail to times ranging from 6 to 8 years. These young men were members of N!DA civic movement, a promising youth movement engaged in education, awareness raising, and grass roots youth development. These men were arrested shortly after the group organized a peaceful rally in 2013, demanding the government to investigate suspicious deaths of conscripts. 

Following their sentence, Khadija Ismayil, whom many of you here know and who herself is currently in jail serving 7.5 year sentence, wrote, 

Found guilty of being bright, intelligent, brave and honest.

Since their original arrest and sentence, four members of the movement were released, the rest remain in jail. 

And yes while I as a rights defender, and as a friend, should be happy that some of them were freed I cannot enjoy the joy and simply be thankful. Because these men should not have been sent to jail to begin with. But they did spend their treasured time inside, with criminals, subject to torture, intimidation, and humiliation of many kinds. And all of this was possible because the government of Azerbaijan wanted so, and the rest of us were unable to do anything to change this. 

There is nothing to be happy about. 

There is only a feel of shame and frustration that the government is getting away with these power games. 

I am not happy, because my friend Rashadat, who is one of the originally detained N!DA members, cannot reunite with his wife and his 3year old son because this right was taken away from him by some judge who was too busy implementing government orders to sentence my friend to 8 years and unaware of the damage this would have on Rashadat as well as his family. 

Just today (March 11), the appeal of Leyla and Arif Yunus to leave the country for medical treatment was denied. Following the court decision Leyla Yunus said, 

I am thankful to President Aliyev for releasing us from prison. We are alive but we also are not receiving any treatment. We can die any moment. 

This is why, I believe that the time for quiet diplomacy is over, the time to pat the government of Azerbaijan on its shoulder and congratulate the government each time one or two political prisoners are released is over. 

We have all seen it, it only encourages the Aliyev regime to put more people in prison- because at the end of the day, it can have both worlds- muzzled voices at home and international presence. 

Our hope as rights defenders, journalists, activists- is your power to push the right buttons. You have to understand, that each time a positive statement comes out of Europe or America, this is used against us at home as the government boasts about the “international” support it has. 

Most importantly you have to call the bluff of this regime- it has no intentions to improve so long as there is a soft approach to the country. We have country’s brightest, smartest, talented men and women in jail. We have a brain drain. We have an economic crisis. And look at the government- it continues to spend more and it continues to mistreat its people. It is clear that there is no intention to fix or change anything. 

Before my friend, Khadija Ismayil, was arrested she asked for no silent diplomacy. She wanted the government of Azerbaijan to be criticized openly and loudly. She did not give up her freedom, to see us- her friends, her colleagues, and the international community fail at fulfilling her call. 

I think it is time to really show people like Rasul Jafar, Seymur Hezi, Parviz Hashimli, Intigam Aliyev, Anar Mammadli, Ilgar Mammadov, and many others- that their efforts to build a society based on rights and freedoms were not wasted and that we can work together to overcome the division among the countries and their leaderships who are reluctant to act, or raise the criticism up a notch. I thank the Irish mission for their effort in keeping Azerbaijan on their agenda and I ask sincerely, other delegations sitting here today, to join their efforts. 

I ask you to do this, not as a rights defender, or a journalist, or an activist but as an Azerbaijani citizen, desperate to see some hope and see my friends released from jail. 

Thank you!

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...

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...

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...

IRFS statement on the death of journalist and colleague Rasim Aliyev

Just received this statement. Sharing the full version below.

August 10, 2015

Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety is in shock over the murder of our longtime employee and board member, current Chairman Rasim Aliyev. On August 8, 2015, unknown persons beat Aliyev to within inches of his life. He died several hours later in a hospital after doctors failed to provide necessary medical treatment. 

We express our heartfelt condolences to Rasim Aliyev’s family members, friends, and colleagues, and declare that this murder is a constituent part of the Azerbaijan’s government policy of deliberately destroying the country’s civil society and voices of dissent. Azerbaijani physicians could have easily saved Aliyev’s life, but they refused to objectively diagnose him or place him under serious medical supervision in the intensive care unit. 

Aliyev’s death coincided with the one year anniversary of the government’s closure of IRFS, including the human rights-focused online TV project “Obyektiv TV.” On August 8, 2014, Azerbaijan law enforcement confiscated all of IRFS’ equipment and documents, sealed the organization’s office shut, and sought to imprison IRFS founder and chairman Emin Huseynov. As one of IRFS’s most trusted and loyal colleagues, it was Rasim Aliyev, using his personal vehicle, who escorted Emin Huseynov out of the vicinity and to temporary safety while law enforcement raided IRFS’ office. 

In October 2014, Rasim Aliyev was elected as IRFS’ chairman, to replace Huseynov. The protocol for this election was sent to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Justice. Basically, Aliyev took it upon himself to lead IRFS through the organization’s most difficult time, when it was in effect paralyzed by never-before-seen levels government pressure. 

Rasim Aliyev’s murder took place amidst the backdrop of a crushing, unbearable human rights situation in Azerbaijan. Since mid-2014, the government has stopped the work of all independent non-governmental organizations and confiscated their property, and thrown countless human rights defenders who are critical of the government behind bars. 

Over the last two years, journalists, human rights defenders, and other individuals critical of the Azerbaijan regime, including Anar Mammadli, Leyla Yunus, Rasul Jafarov, Intigam Aliyev, Seymur Hezi, Khadija Ismayilova, Ilgar Mammadov, Tofig Yagublu, Jadigar Sadigov, Hilal Mammadov, and Arif Yunus have been imprisoned on trumped up charges. 

 Leyla and Arif Yunus, and several other imprisoned Azerbaijani prisoners of conscience are at death’s door. Imprisoned on false charges and deprived of proper medical care, they are slowly dying in prison under circumstances much like those that killed Azerbaijani Talysh rights advocate and journalist Novruzali Mammadov. Furthermore, these individuals are being subjected to torture, and cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment. Potentially deadly attacks have been organized in prison against Azerbaijani prisoners of conscience including Ilgar Mammadov. 

Although the Azerbaijan government is unable to throw into prison Azerbaijani dissidents who have asylum abroad, it imprisons their Azerbaijan-based relatives on false charges. A shining example of this is the recent imprisonment of relatives of journalists Emin Milli and Ganimat Zahidov. In further revenge, the government has barred opposition journalists, NGO workers, and their relatives from leaving the country. By holding the relatives and colleagues of foreign-based Azerbaijani dissidents hostage in Azerbaijan and threatening to murder them, the government attempts to stop these people from criticizing it. Azerbaijan-based relatives of the country’s exiled dissident are forced to renounce and publicly condemn their relatives. 

Over the last three weeks, Rasim Aliyev received numerous threats via phone and the internet. Although he formally appealed to the police for protection, they rejected his request. 

 Rasim Aliyev’s case is not the first in which a journalist or human rights activist has been killed after a failed, premediated attack, due to gross negligence of the law enforcement agencies and physicians. Through such incidents Azerbaijan’s authorities deliberately and openly show the public that a journalist who survives an assassination attempt will not be permitted to survive, but instead die slowly and painfully in a hospital. 

On November 22, 2011, Rafig Tagi died in the same hospital where Rasim Aliyev died, after an attempt on his life. Alternative investigations conducted by journalists showed that although physicians could have saved Tagi, they instead created conditions for his death based on orders from higher up in the country’s government. Four years later, Rasim Aliyev has died under the same circumstances. 

Over the last 10 years numerous journalists, including Elmar Huseynov, Rafig Tagi, Novruzali Mammadov, and Alim Kazimli, have been murdered, but not even one of these has been solved. On the contrary, Azerbaijani law enforcement impedes the objective investigation of these murders, preventing the murderers from being exposed and prosecuted. 

Today Azerbaijan has become one big prison. While all dissidents may not actually be in prison, they live with the constant knowledge that at any moment they can be entrapped and jailed, or murdered. All independent NGOs in Azerbaijan have basically been forced to cease their activities, the last few remaining opposition publications face closure, and journalists self-censor themselves out of fear for their own lives. Basically, the print media is under complete government control, and there is not a single independent television or radio station in the country. Leading international journalism and human rights organizations rate Azerbaijan among the most repressive and dangerous countries in the world. 

Human rights defenders, journalists, dissidents, and even representatives of international governmental organization and diplomatic missions in Azerbaijan operate in under pervasive, increasingly intrusive surveillance. One day prior to Rasim Aliyev’s murder, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Communications revealed plans to propose legislation that will increase government control and surveillance over online apps such as WhatsApp and Skype, and to require online social networks such as Facebook and Twitter to maintain databases of Azerbaijan-based users which the government has access to. Through Rasim Aliyev’s murder the Azerbaijan government will further attempt to justify all-encompassing internet surveillance and regulation. 

Tendencies over the last 10 years show that murders of journalists, increasing repression, and the arrests of dissidents unfold within the framework of important political events, including elections. Rasim Aliyev’s murder in the run-up to the Fall 2015 parliamentary elections, much like the murder 10 years ago of journalist Elmar Huseynov in the run-up to the 2005 parliamentary elections, confirms this. Elmar Huseynov’s murderers and the people who ordered his murder remain at-large to this day as a result of deliberate law enforcement inactivity. In 2010, Huseynov’s family appealed to the European Court of Human Rights over this still unsolved murder. Last month, the ECtHR started communication regarding the case, requesting materials of the criminal case from the Azerbaijani government. 

 IRFS declares Azerbaijan’s incumbent government bears full responsibility for the murder of Rasim Aliyev and the atmosphere of intolerance and impunity within which his murder occurred. 

IRFS calls on the government of Azerbaijan to put an end to the cruel and insufferable repression against dissident voices. Furthermore, IRFS calls on the government to arrest and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those responsible for the deaths of not only Rasim Aliyev, but also Elmar Huseynov, Rafig Tagi, Novruzali Mammadov and Alim Kazimli. The government must release all prisoners of conscience, including, first and foremost, those imprisoned journalists and human rights defenders whose lives are in danger. 

IRFS calls on the United Nations, Council of Europe, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and European Union, to show their principal support for the victims of Azerbaijan’s repression by holding Azerbaijan accountable for fulfilling its international obligations the sphere of human rights. 

***Rasim Aliyev (left, in yellow Press vest) was born on August 16, 1984. On August 16, 2015, he would have turned 31. He was a graduate of the State Oil Academy. Rasim Aliyev resided with his elderly parents, but was engaged to be married and in the process of planning a wedding. He worked for IRFS since 2007. In addition to his parents and fiance, Rasim Aliyev is survived by one sister.