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. 

Mr. President, you have failed us

President Aliyev,

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

It is unfortunate...

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

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

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

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

Everything you have touched, is infected.

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

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

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

You think we need Zahra Hadid?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Azerbaijan is tortured by and you alike.

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

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

Golfing in Azerbaijan anyone?

My only experience with golf goes back to about thirteen years ago when I was on an exchange program in the States. My host parents took me to one of those mini golf attraction. And that was about it. 

Apparently now, if I really want to I can go golfing in Quba- a norther town in Azerbaijan, where a new Golf course just opened. There are 44 golf cars (that president and the first lady tested themselves), it occupies an area of 92ha, there is a gym and a cafe, and it comes with 18 holes. Oh and two artificial lakes

This is no doubt a "present" to golf enthusiasts in Azerbaijan and especially to the residents of Quba who I am sure are so curious that they are hardly keeping themselves at home to try the new sport. I even came up with a little chant for this:

On October 9th, cast your votes;
Then come to us, to celebrate,
By playing golf

I also learned that Azerbaijan now has its very own Golf Federation initiated in 2012. In November of the same year, the foundations of the future Golf Academy were laid. According to the Federation's website Azerbaijan's first ever golf team will compete in the upcoming summer Olympics scheduled to take place in 2016. The President of the Federation Anar Mammadov, believes that golf will become one of the widely played sports in the country. The Federation in addition plans to host international golf tournament in 2014. 

Its easier to open a golf course in Azerbaijan then say ensure equal rights or freedom of the pres. Ironically as the President was riding in a golf car, exploring the course, yet another journalist Parviz Hashimli was jailed. Way to go President! You do your thing like riding a golf car, while your people (that you promise to stand by an respect or at least thats what Ali Ahmadov says you do) are punished and for what? Just because they prefer to write about your offshore businesses and shell companies rather than who you met for breakfast, talked with over the phone, and yet another opening ceremony you successfully completed? This is what journalism is- reporting on issues rather than ceremonies and openings and speeches that never change anyway...

Yes, perhaps playing golf is much safer in Azerbaijan than actually saying something, and not just something but something worthwhile and honest.

How many more honest people will be placed behind bars in the run up to the election? Who knows?! Well, no of course the government knows- its creeping up from behind and snap! you are in its paws. So, a game of golf anyone?

Azerbaijan's Upcoming Elections

An article that appeared today on News.az [ENG] talks about importance of elections in Azerbaijan but more so, it highlights importance of Ilham Aliyev's re-elections for another term. The article is a reference to another piece that appeared in a Turkish paper Takvim [TR].

The author of the article Bulent Erandac claims Aliyev's re-election to be crucial for Turkey- Azerbaijan relations. According to the author, "In these [upcoming elections, scheduled for October 16] election of President Aliyev for a third term is closely linked to Turkey's place in the faith of the Caucasus. Ilham Aliyev played an important role in mutual relationship of the two countries sharing the same language, religion and history". 

Erandac reminds its readers of Aliyev's recent speech where the incumbent President spoke of close ties between the two countries. "Our hearts beat the same. Turkey is our important sibling, friend, and partner in the world. I am certain, that for Turkey too Azerbaijan is number one friend, sibling, and partner in the world". 

These are some very strong words. But it is for the people of Azerbaijan to decide who will be their next president. Especially taking into the account corruption, deeply embedded issues with democracy and human rights that overshadowed development of Azerbaijan in the past decade under the current president.

Perhaps someone also needs to remind Erandac of the past elections (both presidential and parliamentary) and the many violations during the election period in the past.

And then there is a debate around the "friendly" relations between the two countries ["one nation, two states" motto]. A reality check- there isn't much going on apart from business relations. When was the last time Turkish and Azerbaijani civil societies done something together? Or when was the last time Turkey reacted to the arrests of journalists, political activists and the approach to the overall state of freedom of the press in Azerbaijan?

The upcoming presidential elections will determine the faith of the country over the next presidential term. Surely, Erandac and many others in Turkey would appreciate to deal and develop more mutually friendly relations with a more democratic country. This would also play a bigger role in the region at large. 

But perhaps old friendships and habits are hard to break... 

Dialogue but only around election time

As I was reading this piece of news, I couldn't stop laughing. I am glad that our beloved Head of the Social and Political Department under the  Presidential Administration Ali Hasanov, remembered the existence of Azerbaijani opposition and also press (because at some point wasn't it Hasanov himself who claimed that there was no opposition whatsoever in Azerbaijan?!). In his comments during an event, the official was quoted saying:

A dialogue will be conducted with the opposition, press, political parties in Azerbaijan on the eve of presidential elections.

'Cuz there is no need for any dialogue prior to the elections?! And will this dialogue involve water canons and rubber bullets? Or will it be just about beating and torturing? Hmm... lets see, technically there is still time until the elections, so who knows, maybe there will be some special dialogue format organized in a place like Qobustan. I can tell you how its going to look. Opposition and independent press will be put in buses and taken to Qobustan, while political parties and other media will take their seats at one of the 5-Star hotels, sipping on their tea with lemon and laughing out loud applauding their recent dialogue with the opposition and the press and giving more press statements on the success of their diplomacy, the state of free media and prospering democracy. 

Who to blame when there is no one else to blame (part 2): my response to Emil Agazade

After posting this post yesterday, I received a response from Emil Agazade whose comment you can read below the actual post in the comments section. To clarify myself I wrote a response that I shared already in the comments section but also thought to post as a separate post, as I think it brings more clarity so to speak to my originally written post. 

"Hi Emil,

Thank you for reading my blog and taking your time to comment on the post.

In response to you, I am going to try and dissect both of your opinions. I hope this way there will be a tat bit more clarity.

I have read Hamilton's piece. While he might as you say be, "a dedicated campaigner who boasts about visiting Azerbaijan's illegally occupied territories and who does not pass on any opportunity to bash Azerbaijan" (I don't know him personally so I am taking your word for it) he did write credible and truthful things about Azerbaijan. None of the references he made are lies or biased and made up. And frankly speaking, while he might have visited the territories (illegally or not), its not about who he is, but about what he wrote and how he has written it. You see his piece as bashing, while others see it as a critical piece of someone's opinion who is listing known things and known events and naming real people who are currently under threat (and also gives some credit at the end too so he wasn't completely bashing the country).

You on the other hand, are saying that no one is perfect, so to say, and that there are little or no perfect democracies. But who is talking about perfection here? Surely you would accept the truth about the current reality of journalists in Azerbaijan, and many of its threatened journalists, arrested journalists, or journalists who are pending trial. Surely you would also not deny the mere fact that Armenia has nothing to do with the fact that our government is treating its citizens in such a way and ends up being criticized by the international community. Surely you would also accept that having Russia as our neighbor, shouldn't stop Azerbaijani authorities from being a true democracy. It is not about perfection, but it is about basic rights and freedoms.

I agree that quarter of a century is not enough, but something could have been done in a quarter of a century. Think of the number of parliamentary and presidential elections we have had since our independence. Why is it, that in the quarter of the century, we haven't had one single free and fair election. Or will you argue that all our elections were free and fair? Then why is it that we have mastered the principles of corruption and bribery so well in this quarter of the century, but failed profoundly in establishing a democratic state? Could you please explain, then, why is it that our education, healthcare and social care systems have suffered (despite increase in state funding though miniscule to say the least when compared to other sectors) while our ministers only got richer and richer in this quarter of a century?

How come we have mastered fraud in this quarter of the century instead of mastering honesty? 

Given our historical past that you touch upon in your piece- the brief independence, the rights granted to women- we should have been an example by now. But look at where we are. You think I enjoy reading critical pieces like the one by Hamilton, that it gives me pleasure? I am looking forward to a day when my country, your country, our country is actually a place when none of this is happening. Where rights are respected and where no one can say or write any of such things. But, things are different. And not even another quarter of the century is going to change this as long as we have corrupted minds running the country for their own benefit.

I don't care if elections in the UK were rigged, but I do care that elections in Azerbaijan were rigged are rigged to this day. Just because elections elsewhere are rigged, it doesn't give our authorities rights rigging our elections.

I am pretty sure, that having Azerbaijani territories occupied doesn't serve as basis for any rights abuses.

As to the Council of Europe and PACE- if Azerbaijan had a straight human rights record and impeccable history of elections and free society none of these institutions would focus on Azerbaijan this much. You know this as well as I do.

And do you honestly and wholeheartedly believe in this extra powerful Armenian lobby. Alas I am not defending it, but really? Its their fault? Its their fault that we have rigged elections? or its their fault that we have such poor situation with human rights?

Azerbaijan, is capable of doing so much better. And if things were really different at home, I would too promote Azerbaijan but not now, not today, and not tomorrow. Not until there is a real change.

There will always be people like Hamilton. It is our job to make our country a better place so tomorrow people like Hamilton have no arguments left with to criticize our country for. But as long as we find someone or something to blame and not take a responsibility, Hamilton and many others like Hamilton will continue criticizing Azerbaijan... "

Who to blame when there is no one left to blame?

Emil Agazade is the head of media department at the European Azerbaijani Society. For those of you who don't know of this organization, let me enlighten you here for a second. EAS is a well known lobby organization based originally in London, but now with operating offices in Brussels, Paris, Berlin and Baku. They do a myriad of activities but you could read more about their orientation so to say from their homepage.

Now back to Mr. Agazade who appeared here bashing the International community for bashing Azerbaijan in return. In his "touching" piece, he wrote that blaming such a young democracy for its shortcomings is ridiculous especially when we have Armenia and the on-going war on the one hand and mother Russia walking in our footsteps on the other. Don't know about you, but that left me scratching my head. Basically, it all boils down to this: we don't have a democracy, free and fair elections, respect for human rights and free media, because we have an evil neighbor, that is fighting us and then there is this big brother too watching over our shoulder and not letting us do what a democracy should. 

So instead of being better we simply arrest journalists, blackmail them, crush voices of dissent and tell the whole world that we are as good as gets and that Europe and the rest of the critical eyes prying over us, should mind their own business and look at their own so called "democracies" which are not really democracies but wanna- be democracies. 

And one last thing, even if take the argument that there are no true democracies in the world (according to Mr. Agazade) as given, it doesn't mean we can't or shouldn't be the first. Why not?! Oh well, we all know an answer to this, because its easier this way, because its easier to rest the blame on someone else instead of us. Its easier to divert the attention. I am just curious, how much longer, this blame thing, or whatever it is, is going to continue. How much longer, will Armenia, Russia, Europe or whoever, is going to be responsible for all the violations, allegations, intrusions and blasphemy? Who are you going to blame, when there is no one left to blame?

All hail the King!

Just before New Year, the ruling party of Azerbaijan- YAP- needed one last event to praise the king and praise they did. It was a grand New Year present from Santa YAP. On December 24th, YAP organized an event "Azerbaijan 2013: new targets, new victories". Ruling party members were there, parliament members were there, but just to add a bit of diversity, representatives of international organizations were invited too. I guess without them it would have been a little all- YAP- party. 

You wont be surprised what the guests talked about at this event. Well, if you are reading state newspapers and watching state TV you didn't miss much- a lot of praise here and there and there you have it: another "successful" event of the year in the pocket, ticked, and filed (though I am doubtful about filing). So the usual "toasts" were raised- health, strength, wisdom to the all-mighty king Aliyev and his father. Without them who knows where Azerbaijani would have been today. 

Ali Ahmadov, deputy chairman and executive secretary of the ruling party spoke of a successful year both for the people and the government. Something was mentioned about economic and social progress though not much was said about what that progress specifically was. Then a bit more about success of 2013, all of course under the guidance of the king. As always, Mr. Ahmadov, took the liberty to make a decision on behalf of Azerbaijani people on the subject of elections- every single Azerbaijani will vote for the president therefore, its going to be a 100% victory, just wait and see (sorry folks but you can't decide on your own, nor you are entitled to have an opinion and don't worry even if you decide not to head to the polls, your vote will be used anyway). In another interview Mr. Ahmadov also was quoted saying "It is in the interest of every family and every citizen" that Ilham Aliyev is re-elected in 2013 elections. Oh boy, I guess this is as explicit as it can get- for all those citizens and families who choose not to vote or vote for someone else (if there will be a someone else that is) this can only mean one thing- "winter is coming".

Another member of the ruling party, and the first deputy prime minister Yagub Eyubov, also spoke of social- economic progress, though once again, what that progress was about remained unexplained. Oh, almost forgot, Mr. Eyubov too said none of the progress would have been possible without the all mighty king. He said something about "precise scientific predictions" too, which confused me even more as I didn't know that the late president was Nostradamus or secretly possessed the power of "precise scientific predictions". There is so much to learn from the members of the ruling party. 

Similarly, first deputy speaker of the parliament, Ziyafet Asgarov, mentioned the progress achieved in the country too under the rule of the second kingdom and something about genes, wisdom and more success. This time however, we finally learned more about the achieved progress- democracy, secular state, formation of civil society and protection of human rights.

Shamsaddin Hajiyev, the chairman of the parliamentary committee for education and science didn't forget to hold the king responsible for all the great achievements in the field of economy.

Interesting that the article didn't mention any words of praise from diplomats and internationals attending the event. Perhaps, their opinion was not worth mentioning or maybe not interesting...

I guess at the end, the event guests, all completed a ritual raising their fists up in the air, shouting "All hail the King!"

To a "healthy" future of Azerbaijan!

In his 1949 novel, 1984, George Orwell writes, "If our leaders were thinking about what they could do for the country, they'd be considering its future, in short, its children". Our children are the future, but if a child is raised in a way that contradicts principles of equality, liberty and freedom, we cannot speak of a solid future. Anything else, will only bring perils and ills to a nation. 

Let us look at Azerbaijan. It does not fall short of what Orwell describes in his book as "[...] something huge, terrible and glittering- a world of steel and concrete of monstrous machines and terrifying weapons- a nation of warriors and fanatics, marching forward in perfect unity, all thinking the same thoughts and shouting the same slogans, perpetually working, fighting, triumphing, persecuting- three hundred million people all with the same face." If this is the goal and the kind of future Azerbaijani leadership is trying to built then there is no need to speak of a future because there simply is none. 

We cannot have a future in a country where there is a small percentage of super- wealthy having most of the power while the rest of the people are so severely dehumanized that they lose their "faces", their individuality, and their role in shaping their own future.

***

Known for some remarkable statements, head of the Social Political Department at the Presidential Administration Ali Hasanov, continued setting records with yet another remarkable statement two days ago. On December 26th, during an event organized to celebrate the one year anniversary of Youth Fund Mr. Hasanov noted "Azerbaijani youth must closely involve in solving state problems" adding "Unfortunately, during Eurovision, a group of youngsters paved a way to damage Azerbaijani image [instead of promoting Azerbaijan's music culture]". He called these young people radicals, "unhealthy" and that it is the responsibility of "healthy" youth to stand against this "small but active group of people". And just as he likes to make an entrance, Mr. Hasanov's exit was too nothing short of another remarkable statement, "Azerbaijani youth can handle five- ten lost youngsters, while in the meantime, continue to represent Azerbaijan abroad at its best".

I wonder what defines "healthy" youth according to Mr. Hasanov. I guess it is that very same faceless, robotized future?! Perhaps, someone needs to remind Mr. Hasanov that having an opinion and speaking truth doesn't make you lost, in fact, it makes you perfectly honest person on the right path. And so to representing Azerbaijan abroad at its best- well, gotta break the bad news to you, but representing a country at its best means actually to talk about the shortcomings, the missing components of a democratic country and not just talking about beautiful music, gorgeous carpets and so on.

I much rather have a country with young, vibrant, creative, young people (doing flashmobs, engaged in social activities, raising awareness and working to make this country a better place) than a country made of "healthy" youth afraid of saying that we failed at having democratic elections, that things are not great in Azerbaijan, that we have limited press freedom, that we have journalists behind bars and advocates intimidated, that we have corruption and that we cannot speak of a future where rich remain rich, while the rest of the people keep silent and in a state of constant fear.

Let everyone decide for themselves rather than impose your "ideology of greatness" on others. People have a mind of their own, we, the young generation of Azerbaijan can connect the dots. Oh, and I almost forgot, we are perfectly healthy.

Bloggers for Democracy

On December 5th, European Greens organized "Bloggers for Democracy" conference at the European Parliament. I was invited as a guest speaker to talk about my experience as a blogger in the context of Azerbaijan. There were other really incredible and prominent bloggers on the same panel, as Sarrah Abdelrahman from Egypt, Oleg Kaschin from Russia and Michael Anti from China.We talked about our countries, our political contexts, revolutions, human rights and freedom of expression. 

But as always, it was the Q&A session that brought a lot more into the discussion. I will write on that more later but for now, if you missed it, if you weren't there, you can watch it below (bloggers presentations are part 2). 

Internet Governance Forum without Internet

Yes, perhaps this is the first thing that comes to mind when I look back at the last few days of IGF2012 held in Baku, Azerbaijan. You would think this of all things would be organized and provided but no. Frankly, not surprised, after hearing from local staff that "we didn't consider Azerbaijani translation for the opening session" (yes, the OPENING session of the conference) or "there wont be any internet today" when I inquired about not working WiFi. 

But thats just logistical impressions. Putting aside all the incredible people I have met not to mention old faces that I have missed while being away, there has been some other highlights that I would love to share here. Like what was said by a representative from the GONGO Azer Hesret "not everything is bad in Azerbaijan, not everything is black in Azerbaijan" during a Joint Open Forum: EBU, CoE, UNESCO, OSCE: Safety of online media actors after Eynulla Fatullayev made a short speech listing many issues in Azerbaijan that do not necessarily make it look good. The strange thing is, pretty much all statements made during the forum by someone from the government or pro- government institution all focused on making counter statements rather than ask questions and address issues with all the representatives. I guess, no one (from the government, pro- government) really understood the point of this forum apart from proving something to the international audience who is already well aware of the reality on the ground.

And then there were some great quotes from work sessions I attended:

Freedom first before we start talking about regulation, Lee Hebberd 

We recognize the power of the Internet, its the oxygen for many people, Lee Hebberd

There is Democracy 2.0 but there is also Autocracy 2.0, Emin Milli

Governments have to make changes themselves, they know the rules, but often they don't respect them

Freedom of speech should be as normal as eating and drinking, EU Parliament representative

Whatever rights exist and guaranteed offline, should be guaranteed online, Lionel Veer

So these are my impressions so far in brief. Will write more once I have more time to reflect. 

Azerbaijan 20 years after independence

Wanted to share this timeline prepared by Index on Censorship in 2011.

on Dipity.

Time for summer clean- up after Eurovision

This is my most recent article on post- Eurovision Azerbaijan and the crackdowns that continue in a country where change (a very optimistic word in this case) is very slow and authorities care little about anything but themselves. 

You can read the original article in English here and in Italian here.

Time for Summer Clean Up After Eurovision in Azerbaijan

"Azerbaijan: in the shadow of dictatorship"

Came across this report by accident when searching for news on Azerbaijan online. Excellent job capturing Azerbaijan and its present. 

You can access the original report here.

Azerbaijan: in the shadow of dictatorship

Letter to Catherine Ashton

Wanted to share a letter sent by a group pf MEPs to Catherine Ashton highlighting inconsistencies with regard to remarks made by Ashton while referring to Azerbaijan and Belarus. We need more of such letters to point out the dangers and pressing conditions that exist today in Azerbaijan. 

Letter To Catherine Ashton

Donkey Bloggers three years later

Seeing Adnan's Facebook status update reminded me of the first post I wrote on the "donkey bloggers" case three years ago, on July 9th, 2009 and other updates that followed, like this one for instance. 

I am happy that my friends are free today and that they left that part of their life behind, while moving forward. Needless to say, I wish for all innocent journalists, activists, and human rights defenders currently behind bars, on alleged charges released and charges against them dropped.

If you still haven't seen it or never heard of it, here is a video that eventually caused Adnan and Emin's arrest:

 

'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

Struggle continues

While Mehman Huseynov was released (though the hooliganism charges still stand until investigation is over), Azerbaijani government still remains a repressive regime charging innocent men with hooliganism and drug possession. The struggle must continue and further attempts of arrests on bogus charges must end.

The Eurovision might be over, the spotlight is gone, but the country remains known for its poor human rights record and free press. And while Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton gave a clear sign that democracy in Azerbaijan is not a priority for the US anymore and so have EU officials (well, some of them to say the least, in particular Council of Europe), I am hopeful that Azerbaijan has the potential to change and become the true democracy. Its human rights advocates deserve it. Its journalists deserve it. Its people deserve it.

So the struggle still continues...

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!

Azerbaijan valuing glitz over human rights (via storify)