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.

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.

Pro government journalists say all is good in Azerbaijan and then...

Thank you dear Azer Hesret (525ci Gazet) and Hikmet Babaoglu (editor in chief of Yeni Azerbaycan newspaper) for making my presentation yesterday in Riga at the World Press Freedom Day so colorful. If it wasn't for your intervention the audience would not experience first hand the theater of absurdity of government apologists who claim Azerbaijan has more freedoms than everyone in this world combined. 

Shortly after I finished my presentation on the on-going crackdown in Azerbaijan, and the rest of the panelists completed their presentations, the floor was open to Q&A. Our Azerbaijani colleagues were the first ones to raise their hands. First it was Azer Hesret who took the mic (works for pro-govt media). He said I was lying. That there were no limits on freedom of expression or media. That everything in Azerbaijan was free and that we had no political prisoners. 

But the most shocking part was when he said all those bloggers and journalists who are currently in jail, belong there because these are the people who are either trying to overthrow Azerbaijani government or trying to bring radical Islam to the country. He added “its good they are there”. 

When the moderator of our panel David asked what was his Azer Hesret’s question to the panelists Azer Hesret said, “I don’t know where you found this girl who pretends to be an expert. Because obviously this young girl doesn’t know what the real situation in Azerbaijan really is.” 

I took the mic and the only thing I could say to this was that I was expecting such an intervention. 

Then it was Hikmet Babaoglu’s turn (who is editor in chief of basically what is the mouthpiece of Ruling Party - Yeni Azerbaycan). Who confirmed that certainly I was lying. Baboglu also said how would I know anything about Azerbaijan if I don’t even live there. He then on went to accusing me of representing Armenian interests, that because of my collaboration with Agos I was a traitor and so on. 

Needless the audience inside the room was appalled. But that didn’t stop them. Emin Emilli who was also in the room took the mic afterwords and thanked both of these gentlemen for making such an important intervention. Thanks to them, we all first handedly experienced the absurdity of the situation in Azerbaijan. 

 Mr. Hasret accused me before as well on Twitter. When I looked up his twitter account I saw that I have muted him - I guess I did that for a reason.

#WPFD2015 @arzugeybulla describes #Azerbaijan as something like North Korea...

— Azer Hasret (@azerhasret) May 2, 2015

#WPFD2015 If to believe @arzugeybulla Azerbaijan is something more dangerous than Hitler's Faschismus.

— Azer Hasret (@azerhasret) May 2, 2015

The sad thing however is that these two older genltemen were intimidated by a young journalist. Not only that they even were intimidated that I was a female journalist. This would explain their sexist comments and comments questioning their credibility. 

What Mr. Hasret and Babaoglu didn't know when they made that valuable intervention is that they actually once again confirmed that people like Khadija, Omar, Rasul, Intigam, Leyla and Arif, Rauf are in jail not because of tax evasion, or abuse of authority or embezzlement or treason but because of their political views. 

Well done! Oh and in case you are interested you can see Yeni Azerbaijan paper bashing me here (sorry it is all in Azerbaijani, although it might spare you some nerves ;) 

Celebrating 20th birthday behind bars!

Today Omer Mammadov turns 20 years old. But unlike many 20 year olds he wont be celebrating his birthday with friends and family. He will be celebrating it in jail, behind bards, with his cell mates. This is how President Aliyev and his government is punishing its active, educated and bright youth. By locking them up in jail for extended sentences and keeping them there for as long as he can.

Mammadov, was sentenced in May of 2014 to five years in prison. His crime? Using his right to free speech and association calling on the people of Azerbaijan to come together and stand up against authoritarian leadership of Aliyev and abuse of conscripts in the army.

Mammadov isn’t the only one sentenced that month. Together with six other members, he received a lengthy sentence, the longest being 8 years. Along with the rest of the group Omer, was arrested in 2013. All men represented N!DA youth movement – a civic movement founded in early 2011 by young people calling for democracy and social changes in Azerbaijan.

There was one more activist, whose trial took place together with N!DA activists. Ilkin Rustamzade, was member of another youth movement but joined N!DA following his arrest.

Amnesty International recognized all eight arrested men as prisoners of conscience.

In October 2014 two of them – Shahin Novruzlu and Bakhtiyar Guliyev were pardoned in a presidential pardoning decree. In December 2014, two more – Uzeyir Mammadli and Zaur Gurbanli were released.

The rest, including young Omer remain in jail. 
Thank you Mr. President! You really do value your youth! 

Bu gün  Nida VH -ın  üzvü ,vicdan məhbusu Ömər Məmmədovun doğum günüdür. #OmarMammadov20 pic.twitter.com/GFlQZjmGma
— N!DA VH (@nidavh) February 25, 2015

Cabinet of Ministers meeting as usual: Aliyev speaking of his satellites, "reforms" and "progress"

In a meeting of Cabinet of Ministers President Aliyev spoke of 2014 and the prospects for 2015. Aliyev claimed "Azerbaijan kept the pace of intensive development while the country's people lived in safety in 2014". 

It would have been great if President could define what he means by "safety" because if fear, intimidation and imprisonment is "safety" then something is wrong with wording here. Or maybe he meant to say, I keep my prominent critics in jail to ensure their safety from all the bad demons?! Surely this is what he really meant to say. 

President is so cautious of critical journalists' lives in #Azerbaijan. By #FreeKhadija friends. pic.twitter.com/P1aOYLykUE
— PoliticalPrisonersAZ (@humanrightsaz) January 11, 2015

President also no doubt mentioned a "strong unity between the people and government in Azerbaijan". Ehm... unity between us and you sir?! Hmm... I think we found ourselves another word that needs some definition here. Because the way I see it there ain't unity between us but just you eating away our future with your kind and us fearing of what is yet to come from you. No doubt there is unity but it aint between you and the people. Its between you and your minions. Otherwise we all know your "love" and "kindness" for political opposition in Azerbaijan sir. No doubt about that! 

Aliyev mentioned the economy too - how could he not?! After all if its not for massive economy projects how would his family and his cronies appropriate more $$$?! Surely it was a success! Lots of investment projects! Lots of pocketed bills for you!  

The country enjoys "great respect in the world" Aliyev noted. Although this too raises questions - which countries respect Azerbaijan? Surely the ones who have no clue of Aliyev's authoritarian grip or those who share similar interests?! As for dictatorships liking and thinking fondly of other dictatorships - well thats no news Sir! And of course we shall forget those countries who would gladly and happily respect Azerbaijan with the help of some extra cash, a nice vacation and some fancy presents.  

Oh of course, I almost forgot the launch of our second satellite! How about launching some real reforms in corruption sir? Like real ones?! Not fake promises and statements you so much love and enjoy giving. Here is a suggestion: how about we place that corruption into a third satellite and launch it into the orbit along with all those in the government of Azerbaijan who have stolen from the people and keep on stealing? Can we do that Mr. President? Oh wait, that would probably also mean launching yourself and your family along too. Hmm... Not sure there will be the comforts of life you are used to but hey its worth a try no?! 

Anyway. As we leave behind one of the most difficult years behind, my wish for 2015 is for our President and his minions to get a bit of sense, honesty and humanness (that's because I realize my satellite wish would be a bit problematic). Of course thats never going to happen, I realize that. So perhaps 2015 wont be any better. After all we have these weird games that were invented as per Aliyev's wish called European Olympics which have already costed billions and then another set of violated elections await us in November. So on the day when we remember the campaign condemning the deaths of conscripts (who are dying in your multi billion super duper army by the way) I wish us all strength and patience. We are going to need a lot of it. Because after all we all are here to stay unless of course that satellite comes along. 

Silence everyone! An expert speaks!

Meet David Merkel who served under the U.S. Secretary of State and Treasury, spent time at the U.S. National Security Council, Foreign Relations Committee and the House of Representatives Policy Committee to name a few. Currently he is the Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council. 

In a recent interview with one of Azerbaijan's media outlets Trend.az (!), David Merkel said "only ill-informed and biased people can criticize Azerbaijan". As it turns out the mounting criticism Azerbaijan is facing is the work of misinformed, inexperienced and dubious "others".   

You see Merkel, as it turns out is of the camp of international "experts" on Azerbaijan. In his written "testimony" to the paper Merkel writes of progress he has seen in the country during his numerous visits since 1994.

"Regrettably those who speak most loudly" know nothing about the country writes Merkel. Because according to Merkel, only one conversation with you and the country's citizens will open one's eyes into the world of development and progress.  

One of these important developments are elections writes Merkel. "The polling results would make any US or European leader envious" notes Merkel. Alas dear sir, you do not want to have similar election results in your country. Moreover, I am pretty sure, there will be plenty of people who would not let you know to have fraudulent elections, because there are still some people over there who value of freedom of thought, expression and choice. 

Progress isn't measured in a  number of new hotels, boutique stores and developments that you can only see in the capital of Baku Mr. Merkel. 

Our economy grew no doubt during the boom of the oil sector, but this is no longer the case. Perhaps Merkel should have made time to visit some more places outside of Baku and then talk about the progress or observe the elections with real observers who reported ballot stuffing and vote count violations. I saw it myself during 2013 Presidential elections and guess what happened? I was told I was "disrespectful" to my elders when I was pointing out the violations. And that "get reddol burdan" (since Merkel doesn't speak the language I would translate, "get the f*** out of here"). Is this the progress?

I am from Azerbaijan and I also criticize my country. And I have a full right to as a citizen who still hopes for a better future for my country. 

Perhaps Mr. Merkle needs to realize it is him who is using double standards and has little knowledge of my country. 

In Azerbaijan, to avoid floundering in the elections, the ruling party and hence its head, resort to all corrupt and dirty means possible. Including but not limited to buying votes, forcing people to vote (to "he who shall not be named"), extracting votes through use of fear and intimidation (job loss, imprisonment and etc.) and a lot more.

What is compelling in Merkel's full blown support and justification of Azerbaijan's ruling elite is his genuine blindness (wonder how much that cost?!).

This tendency to scapegoat is becoming exhaustive and at the end of the day will only hold its value for those like Merkel. 

Loyalty surely has its price. And we all know, what happens to all those loyal to Mr. Aliyev and his cronies. Good salaries, life insurance of staying alive and untouched (although more recently looks like this one is having some kind of expiration date on it) and much more. Basically, the more you suck up to certain individuals, the safer you are. There is nothing new in this theory and in Azerbaijan we all know that tribal and class loyalties are still very much alive and thriving.

But when someone from abroad decides to bash out on those critics who are loyal to values of democracy, it gets slightly more frustrating. It would be have been absolutely lovely had Merkel visited some of the "youth" he is referring to in his "speech" who is stuck in jail because people like Merkel himself.

These young, brave, smart men would tell people like Merkel the story of true progress in Azerbaijan, the one that only exists in the heads of Aliyev's tribe.

So next time you visit our beautiful and progressive country dear Merkel, perhaps have a chat with the families of 100 or so political prisoners, pensioners, and the rest of the common folk to get a better picture of Azerbaijan. 

And the Sakharov prize goes to...

European Parliament made its final call and awarded its highest human rights accolade- Sakharov Prize to Dr. Denis Mukwege, Congolese gynecological surgeon. 

Congratulations Mr. Mukwege! I hope your cause and fight reaches out to many more and you save many more lives. 

 

In the meantime, our very own, Leyla Yunus came third. This most likely means, she will remain in prison together with her husband and the government will do whatever it takes to prevent other activists, defenders, journalists from receiving any other awards. Because they want to save face. Because Yunus winning the award would have put further pressure on the ruing government in Azerbaijan. But she didn't win. So less pressure. 

Where does all of this leave us?

The show must go on, and all of us who have taken part in promoting, advocating, writing, lobbying for Azerbaijan's political prisoners, continue doing so and should continue doing so. The Sakharov Prize may be over and Mr. Mukwege is the winner but our political prisoners remain in prison, and the struggle for their freedom must continue. 

You see the problem with spotlights is that they fade, the bulbs blow up or someone needs more spotlight and attention than others so people move on carrying their spotlight with them. But Azerbaijan is just one of those rare countries that needs the spotlight all the time. As soon as its gone, someone else ends up beaten, jailed, harassed, intimidated or worse killed (and it is likely the perpetrators will never be found).

I would like to remind readers in Europe, respected and esteemed Parliament Members, the Council of Europe (even if it has proven useless) and everyone else in the Western hemisphere who keeps tabs on human rights issues in Azerbaijan and still hasn't gone to the "dark side", to continue putting pressure on Azerbaijani leaders. Just think about it for a second: when did we start coming up with excuses when someone is threatened because he/she has a voice? When did we start valuing certain commodities (like caviar) over freedom of speech and freedom to assenbly? When did we start differentiating about different types of citizens, refugees vs. political prisoners? Aren't refugees in a way political prisoners too? Trapped in between official fighting and hunger for power? Aren't we all humans at the end of the day? 

Will these words make more sense and have bigger impact if addressed from the UN stage?! Well, we have no such opportunity so this blog post will have to do!

Oh I know the answer all right. But please tell me,  since when democracies stopped being democracies and turned into profit seeking enterprises; where value for basic human right is no longer valued at its highest and instead its all about barrels. Is it all about barrel of oil vs. barrel of human right?!  

I hope its not. Because if it is then we are kind of doomed. 

 

Why don't we all stop and think for a moment. Just remember the basic rights, remember the basic freedoms. Justice ought to be served eventually for all, and not for one group of people over another. If it is justice Azerbaijani government seeks than it shall seek it equally for all.

Dear friends, supporters, followers, haters, don't forget about Azerbaijan and the crackdown its honest people are facing at the moment. Remember it might be just a tat bit too late when the sh** hits the fan and there is no one to talk to in the country. Just saying...

Public diplomacy and freedom of speech in Azerbaijan...pending arrest (updated)

09:05: As of early hours of this morning Leyla Yunus husband is in intensive care and Mrs. Yunus was giving statement (questioned) at the prosecutor general office. Yunus was meant to meet with France's president Francoius Hollande on his visit to Azerbaijan on May 17th. She believes this detention is to prevent her from this meeting. Sounds like Emin Milli's arrest when he was meant to translate for the German Ombudsman Gunter Nooke in 2009.

01:37: here is another update in English. No news yet though Yunus herself believes its in close relation to her work in peace diplomacy.

22:55: According to the lawyer Khalid Baghirov (who is also overlooking the case of Mirkadirov) who is currently at the airport he hasn't seen the couple. The lawyer says the law enforcement agents are "conducting" search of their luggage and will then search their apartment.

Which could mean a whole new set of things: like finding books of certain nature for instance like they found in the apartment search of young NIDA activists. There is just no limits to what Azerbaijani government can do. It is as simple as that.

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If you haven't heard about the case of Rauf Mirkadirov, Azerbaijan journalist based in Turkey, deported and then arrested and charged with espionage then here is an article for you to get the picture. 

Mirkadirov, isn't just a well known journalist writing for many years for the Russian daily Zerkalo. He is also a known name in the circles of people to people diplomacy advocates. 

He is accused of transferring some kind of "secret" information and photographs- in a nutshell, state secrets of some sort- and is currently in a three month pre- trial detenion facing a possible sentence of 10 years. 

Just now [AZ] I am reading that another well known human rights advocate Leyla Yunus is detained together with her husband Arif Yunus as the couple was leaving the country for Doha. While according to the news several foreign diplomats were able to get the couple through the customs, they were stopped from boarding the plane. 

The couple is also outspoken on the public diplomacy and has taken part in many meetings. The nature of these recent arrests is troublesome as this could mean a number of things starting from a new type of measure of Azerbaijan government to silence its critics but also show its disinterest in the dialogue with its neighbor Armenia. Surely this could mean other things but the bottom line is clear- Azerbaijani authorities relentlessly punishing free voices. Already there are several journalists, advocates, political figures and bloggers in jail not to mention 8 young men who have voiced their concerns about the political and social situation in the country and are now facing trumped up charges. 

So do all those apologists of Azerbaijani government still consider it a democracy? They probably do, no doubt but many others who see the real situation should raise their voices and concerns! This is not an acceptable!

No place for 300 Spartans in Azerbaijan

Remember the talking donkey from 2009? We all know how that satirical story ended- the brains behind the satirical video were jailed. Hooliganism was their sentence because the government was too embarrassed to reveal the actual destination of the lump sum of some 40 grand, which was the reported price of the super special imported donkey. 

So it was not surprising that when another satirical video appeared online two days ago, the brain behind it was apprehended immediately, questioned and "asked" not to publish anything of this sort in the run up to the presidential elections. 

Young photo journalist Mehman Huseynov who prepared the video said [AZ] following his release that he had no idea he was taken in for questioning because of the video. It was only after the police mentioned it to him that he realized what caused his apprehension. In an interview with Radio Free Euope, Huseynov said he told the police that this was political satire but apparently the dislike was so great that it caused a several hour interrogation anyway.

The video (below) in question is the classic that many of you probably have seen "300", a story about King Leonidas and a force of 300 men fighting the Persians at Thermopylae in 480 B.C. Talented Huseynov, took one of the most important scenes from the movie (the one when "evil men are pushed into the big well") and mashed it with a recent speech of Cemil Hesenli- main candidate running against Aliyev in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled to take place on October 9th. The scene ends with Hesenli saying "this regime must go".

Another embarrassment for the authorities if you ask me- Huseynov's video had only about 4,000 views before he was taken in for questioning, as of today it received 35,980 viewers (at the time this post is written). And if the government is so certain its going to win, why all this stress because one satirical video?!

Azerbaijan's syndrome of "positive developments" vs. negative reality

"Lets also look at the positive developments. Not everything is so bad in Azerbaijan". I have been hearing these words over and over again and especially more so lately. For obvious reasons, proponents of the Azerbaijani government dislike anyone who voices criticism when it comes to the situation with the human rights, freedom of press, social services, and pretty much everything that concerns average Azerbaijani citizens. And these are the magic words of "wisdom".

But lets be real here. What I am about to say kind of goes back to the post I wrote yesterday about what Roland Kobia, the head of the EU delegation to Azerbaijan said about the President and the upcoming elections- "he has done a good job". Yea, well, I hate to disappoint but he hasn't really. And here is why. 

Yesterday, I spoke at the European Parliament, on the present day of Azerbaijani political plurality, freedom of expression, women rights and more. While much of my focus was on the situation from a perspective of a blogger, and I chose to cover only some of the pressing issues at home. But it was really a question from the audience that prompted me to write this post and address this issue of "positive development". 

Lets start by looking at some numbers and indicators:

Internet 

- 73% of daily Internet users in Azerbaijan are male;

- 72% of Facebook users are male;

- 17% of women ever used the Internet

Women

- 16% of parliament members are women (all of them members of the ruling party; there are no opposition representatives in the parliament as of last parliamentary elections);

- 0% of women head ministries (minus the Committee for Family Women and Children Issues);

- 14% of judges are female;

- 26% are members of the local governments

And this is in a country that likes to bring up the facts about its history and the place of women. Like a right to vote that was granted to women in Azerbaijan in 1918.

Economy and social condition (see this report for further statistical data by the European Commission)

- 151.9AZN is average pension;

- much of economic growth is generated through oil and gas sector;

- the share of agriculture went from 15.9% in 2000 to 6.4% in 2009;

- indicators for manufacturing, and non- oil activities all dropped in the last several years;

- increased public expenditure is not directed toward human development especially if you look at heatlh and social care services not to mention education (and the rate of corruption, especially in education);

- if in 2003, expenses for social security stood at 18.2%, according to available statistics of 2009, it dropped to 9.7%;

- similarly education expenses dropped from 23.7% to 11.6% in 2009 and etc.;

- while in absolute terms, social expenses have increased, in relative terms they have decreased;

- the employment rate is low for age groups 15- 19; 20- 24; 

I wont link to the international reports about the situation with regard to the human rights and the freedom of press, or Azerbaijan's yet another "amazing" performance on the corruption index of the Transparency International. This was just to put things into a context especially for those who say things in Azerbaijan are not that bad and there is progress and development.

When are you people going to understand that your audience 90% of the time knows the real facts and that its completely inappropriate (not to say inadequate, unrealistic, and delusional) to speak of 2003 elections as democratic and that such remarks only make you look like fools. 

 

And so, when I am told or asked to speak of the positive as well, my only response is that only once we resolve and deal with some of our pressing issues as we should be I will speak about the positive. We, an Azerbaijani nation, of some 9.2 million inhabitants, deserve a future that is not mocked or criticized. Our government is accountable for acting within the principles of our constitution and our laws. Our political leaders who consider themselves mighty Gods need to look beyond their noses and narrow- minded vision. The future is not about Shakiras, Rhiannas, Flame Towers, Eurovision concert halls and what not. The future is what we do today. And you, and your cronies around you have done nothing positive for the people.

So lets cut to the chaise, and instead of talking positive, deal with the negative...

Happy Birthday My Dear Friend!

Today, Emin turns 31. But he wont have a birthday celebration with his friends and family. Instead, he will be celebrating his new age behind bars at a prison facility in Azerbaijan. On November 11th its going to be a year since Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizada were officially sentenced to imprisonment on faked charges of hooliganism.

Since then much has been voiced with regard to their personalities, activities, lives. There were those who supported their imprisonment, saying they deserved the sentence. Others raised their concerns. But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter, who says what, how, and when. What remains to be important is that both Emin and Adnan were individuals just like any of us. Who had their own beliefs, ideas, values and passion for things, some will never understand. They wanted to make a difference, something many people won't dare of doing because of the fear of being different from the rest. 

They are men of courage and truth. And that is a fact and will remain so for many of their friends and supporters. Unlike many other "official" hooligans, thieves, criminals, they didn't buy their way out. They chose to be fare and just but no one cared about that because there is one thing that judicial or any other power in Azerbaijan cares about and its money. And the more, the better. So while Vusal and Babek (the alleged victims of the attack Emin and Adnan were framed under) got out because they were paid to do so, our friends were arrested.

And that is the truth about Azerbaijan- there is no decency left. And it doesn't matter how many billions of dollars one spends to make the country look pretty, because no money will hide the ugly reality and truth the country lives in. Its a one big lie covered with fake truth!

Happy Birthday my dear friend! I want to wish you many happy returns but in freedom and in a country hopefully that will change one day...

Political prisoners in Azerbaijan- Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizada- Radio Netherlands Worldwide 

Support video prepared by friends of Adnan and Emin