What do I wish for my country (my speech from the opening ceremony at Forum 2000 in Prague)

07.10.2018

These have been tough times for democracy advocates and proponents. 

We are living in liquid times, trying to stand on moving sands in a world that is full of unprecedented challenges. 

One of my favorite writers, Elif Safak, sums it well in a story she shared in one of her recent talks. Safak mentions this club called “Worried, and depressed, international writers club”. 

Each time its members who come from countries like Egypt, Turkey, Russia, Pakistan, Venezuela, Nigeria would come together at international conferences and events, recalls Safak, they would smile at each other in sympathy as comradery of the doomed. 

But more recently explains Safak, the club has welcomed new members from places like Poland, Hungary, Greece, Austria, France, UK, the Netherlands and the United States. 

“Suddenly there were more of us worried about our nations, and the future of our world”, explained Safak in her talk. 

I might not be a member of this club, but I am too worried about the future of my country and the world. 

So here I am, standing in front of you, tonight, tasked with a very tough question - of what is it that I wish for my own country, Azerbaijan in these challenging times. 

I love my motherland but a place I call home has never been mine. 

It has been in the hands of illiberal politicians exploiting it. These so-called leaders have looted its resources, gained power at the expense of others, and who have turned my motherland, into a fiefdom. 

As a result, Azerbaijan is known for its devastating press freedom record, grave human rights abuses, abducting its journalists and smuggling them back into the country, for money laundering, secret slush funds, and Panama Paper leaks. 

So what can someone like me, who has never had a chance to have a say in the present and the future of my country wish for it? a chance for free and fair election, a plurality of opinions and voices, ensuring equality, and fostering transparency. 

To me, these are some of the most important pillars of democracy. 

Now how to achieve these, that's the hardest part. I think a good place to start would be by getting some inspiration from Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s 14th-century fresco on the allegory of good and bad government. 

For the sake of time, and context, I will focus on the good, because we know all too well how the bad one looks like. 

In the fresco on good government, you see the commune who tells the people that they should be the ones who rule themselves and not their kings or queens. Surrounding commune are his advisors - justice enthroned looking up at the figure of wisdom who supports the scales of justice; harmony binding justice to the citizens; and peace. And watching over the republic is Security with a banner that reads: everyone shall go forth freely and without fear. 

This is how I imagine Azerbaijan. A nation freed of a tyrant, guided by justice, who at present sits in shackles at the feet of our leadership; where civic ideals and a plurality of opinions are celebrated; rather than perish in prisons; where civil society is vibrant and where a nation isn’t governed by fear but by solidarity and freedom. 

Thank you!

Azerbaijan, country of contrasts

My home is a country of contrasts. Here in Azerbaijan, achieved scholars and writers are stripped of their rights and honors as quickly as one would buy bread at the market. The moment it doesn't go down too well with the so- called democratic leadership, your years of work and commitment are tossed away in a moment.

Opposition leaders, organizers, advocates, get detained, thrown into jail with no further notice (also with an amazingly high speed), while those of "their own kind" get the safe treatment and "kindness" even if they have done something worth a life sentence. 

Your pockets and bank accounts can grow as quickly as your status if you are good with handing out bribes, at times losing your identity, or simply keeping your eyes, mouth and ears shut to the reality existing outside of the bubble. But there is no guarantee, everything can disappear swiftly. One day you are rich and famous, another you are a nobody.

Its leadership, close cronies and allies want to be rich, but spare their nickles and dimes when the time comes to share. Humanly values are of no value, but as long as their benefits at stake, suddenly values become their sole weapon. Honesty by all means, exists on dusted pages of our constitution, hidden somewhere far from sight. 

While many of our villages lack basic infrastructure Azerbaijani businessmen invest in multimillion projects, but not for the sake of the people. Its all about upscale market, the rich and the filthy rich. And as these filthy rich sip from their glasses its the little boys and girls who carry on dreaming of a school, with heating, electricity, toilets, running water and a bribes free education. 

It is ok, that the magazines like Baku, feature ads for Tom Ford, Burberry, Dior and Celine stores that enrich the shopping scene in the capital of Baku. After all, people need a choice and this is the kind of freedom of choice Azerbaijani rich value. 

Once upon a time there was a dream for this country, to have a democratic state, with equal rights and freedoms granted to its people, with prospering economy with revenues intended for its people and the future generations. But that was a long time ago. Is it finally time to forget that dream, or is there a hope? I sure would like to believe so...

What we teach our kids

In Azerbaijan the number one target group intended (for best purposes only) for government propaganda is students. Especially young ones, who have no idea whats going on, and who have disinterested, afraid, inattentive or simply careless parents to teach them, tell them, explain them, guide them otherwise. And so it should come as no surprise, that Azerbaijani kids, from their very young age are told that if it wasn't for the late President Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan would be... pretty much nonexistent or a rotten hole. 

This is the short story from the first grade textbook.

Basically the story is about this little girl (but more of a conversation between this little girl and someone who is old enough to be the girl's grandmother), whose name is Mehriban (I don't have to remind you who goes by this name in Azerbaijan) and Heydar Aliyev (nor do I need to remind you of who he was) and the importance of their names. But here comes the silver-lining, at the very end, the story takes on a twist, "It is thanks to Heydar Aliyev's strength that our Azerbaijan is nourishing. And that is why our nation will always remember him fondly". 

Its interesting how the story went from explaining the meaning of the name Mehriban and Haydar, to suddenly finding the girl looking at the statue of Haydar Aliyev and lastly praising him. I wonder if every story in this textbook has this kind of a twist.

***

Systematic brainwashing (though at this stage of learning curve, calling this brainwashing would be wrong I suppose) that starts at that age, is bound to bring success in the future. The end result- generations of brainwashed (and this would be the right time to use this word) people, programmed to function under existing conditions, without questioning anything and only saying what needs to be said in certain moments. 

And then there is of course the condition of our education system. Though calling it condition would do it no justice, since there is a much better word for it- a syndrome. Its sick and its dying of cancer in the form of bribery and old Soviet style teaching. 

But then who says anybody is dying, all is good in the la-la-land of la-la-president on the shores of the la-la-sea. And everyone who lives there is happy...

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.

2+2= 5 or how Azerbaijan Ministry of Education sees the future?

We all know that 2+2= 4 but what if your life depended on the answer you gave? This short movie below questions the authority, the fear, and conformity of young students at a school during a math class. 

Lesson learned? We often underestimate the importance of education. We stop caring about the quality, the ethics and impact. Certainly in Azerbaijan this has been the case. Once upon a time there was a country that attached grave importance to education, unfortunately, this is not the case anymore.

So let this short film serve as a reminder to our Ministry of Education, because surely, this is the future it wants to see in Azerbaijan! Or how else can it explain the levels of corruption at our schools and universities?

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...

Head of EU delegation in Azerbaijan talks elections 2013

A wave of angry updates been circulating on social media platforms as of yesterday and today. Azerbaijan's pro- democracy activists are left puzzled (and mostly irritated) following a statement that came yesterday from the head of the EU delegation to Azerbaijan, Roland Kobia. In his comments on the upcoming presidential elections in Azerbaijan that are expected to take place next year, ambassador spoke of a hope for democratic elections. "EU would like to see of course political pluralism, opening of the political space [...]" But it wasn't this part of the statement that frustrated many of the activists at home. "I think President Ilham Aliyev will stand very good chances because he is much known, he has done a good job [...]". 

Now let me tell you that it is one thing to say that the President will stand a very good chance for re-election. This is true, because elections will be violated and there wont be that expected pluralism the Ambassador is so much hopeful for. President Aliyev doesn't stand a good chance for re-election because majority of Azerbaijanis is expected to choose him. It is unrealistic to project such kind of prediction from the point of view of democratic elections and results. 

And coming to the second part of his statement- "he has done a good job"- now that is pushing it a bit too far. I for once, was not expecting to hear such remark come from the head of the delegation. I wonder where does the ambassador see the good? In the poor human rights record? In the number of imprisoned journalists? In corruption? I can go on with the list... Really, where is the good job? 

I share the frustration, and I am very upset to hear such a statement especially from someone I have much respect for. Where does it leave us- the people who want to see democracy in Azerbaijan, who want to see free and fair elections, who want to have corruption free country and future? I know, where we should have been from the very beginning. Whatever change we talk about in the case of Azerbaijan must come from within. International institutions have no leverage over Azerbaijan and so at the end of the day, we should not be surprised. After all, Azerbaijan violated many of its promises it gave upon becoming a member of the Council of Europe but never has it been penalized for its failure in fulfilling many of the promises. 

I don't think calling for Ambassador's resignation is going to change anything. Its a statement that had to be made. Or not?!

Psychopathic traits and dictators

I am (and sometimes its hard to confess ehm ehm) a big Hunger Games fan. Not only have I read all of the books in one go (literally) I bought this unofficial guide to the books and the story couple months back. And there was one thing that I have been meaning to share on this blog from that book that I really liked but haven't done until now. So here you go.

On p. 130 of the book, the author shares a "Psychopathic Traits, President Snow and his Gamemakers" table, which is a fascinating discovery for me personally especially when most of the traits if not all of them are applicable in reality to most of the authoritarian rulers and their devoted network around the world today. 

I am going to share some of them here with you:

 

This makes pretty much all of the dictators (like the President Snow himself though fictional) psychopaths, which makes me wonder, is it curable? From what I have read so far, looks like its a bit of a difficult process, if not controversial. So, what does that leave us with?                         

Why we should strive to be better...

"... lets be clear, we are not comparing like with like" wrote Neelie Kroes on her personal blog reflecting on this past week's IGF held in Baku while referring to some of the EU member states as Hungary, Bulgaria, and Greece where freedom of expression issues are also present. Indeed, we are not and should not compare like with like, especially when that "like" has to do with which country has worse human rights record or more journalists facing bogus imprisonment charges.

Azerbaijan is no Pakistan yes, where recently a 14 year old school girl blogged about the difficulties at her school under the Taliban regime and got a shot in a head for that (this is not to say we should forget Elmar Huseynov's case, who too was brutally murdered on the door steps into his apartment in 2005). 

For all the critical remarks, statements and comments voiced during the conference there is a lesson to be learned for those who speak of the reality in Azerbaijan and for the Azerbaijani government. We, Azerbaijanis, living in and outside of Azerbaijan must continue telling the truth about the situation on the ground with regard to human rights, net freedom, freedom of expression, political prisoners, and prisoners of conscience. We must continue discussing the difficulties the country's citizens face as a result of lack of "generosity" of the country's greedy officials (lets not start debating which official owns how much). Azerbaijani government, should stop comparing itself to country's that are doing much worse in any of the above mentioned aspects and realize that counter arguing international reports that only state the obvious when it comes to human rights record or the state of the free press damages already shaken image of a country that once was a promising land of freedom, equality and liberty.

Why strive to be better? Well, one message to the authorities is to accept and try to improve rather than shrug it off. Why? Wouldn't be so much better when for once something positive is written about Azerbaijan? Why not improve the situation? Why not strive to be a better country?

What I saw during IGF was that Azerbaijan's government representatives actually do not understand the importance of hosting such important and global events. We might be the "Dubai of the Caucasus", we might have high-end boutiques selling non-affordable (at least for most of the Azerbaijanis) products, we might have construction boom but its not something to talk about during a venue as IGF nor it is a place to tell its visitors to enjoy the PRed-Eurovision-flashy videos while forgetting (or not considering?!) to provide translators (to Azerbaijani) for the opening session and boasting of the development of its ICT sector while failing to provide fast internet connection at an internet focused forum.

It is also not a place to prove anything. The majority of participants and speakers at IGF already knew the situation in the country. Watching short promo videos on Azerbaijan wont form their opinion. Few statements on how things are perfectly fine in the country wont convince them. If proving and convincing is the case, then why is it that every time someone from the government or pro- government raised a question in the audience or made a remark quickly disappeared from the room never staying for after discussion after the sessions (essentially showing that none of things said matter because they don't care because they refuse to accept)? 

I understand that its difficult to accept ones faults and weaknesses. But things can, should and must be improved. Instead of claiming to have free access to Internet why not assure and guarantee Azerbaijani citizens, advocates, activists freedom of expression? Why issue bogus arrest warrants? These people would not write what they write if things were as perfect as officials describe! 

Looking ahead, and trying to think positively, perhaps Azerbaijani state officials will take this forum as an opportunity to sort itself out (which doesn't mean to arrest more journalists, shut bloggers up, and take other terrible measures against advocates). We must be better! We could be better! We need to be better! We need to be building future while not destroying the wealth we have! We don't need Guccis, Burberrys and Dolce&Gabbanas. We need uncorrupted education. We need smarter spending measures. We need to work on our reputation and we need to start now. Perhaps, the first step would be to release imprisoned journalists and let them do their job?! 

IGF2012 is over, but the difficult situation in Azerbaijan isn't. So I am also asking international actors, organizations and representatives who were here this past week, don't forget of your promises and don't give up on Azerbaijan. There is still hope...

From presidency for life, to life long immunity- whats next for Azerbaijan? Life long police state?

It started with a Referendum in 2009 when Azerbaijani President, secured pretty much a presidency for life. But as this wasn't enough, in order to protect himself and his family from recent wave of criticisms and investigations targeting some of the personal and related shady businesses Azerbaijani Parliament (full of pro government puppets) passed two laws. From now on, the President and his family will have extensive immunity rights states one of the laws. The second law "bars government officials from distributing information about companies if doing so 'contradicts the national interests of Azerbaijan in political, economic, and monetary policy, the defense of public order, the health and moral values of the people, or harms the commercial or other interests of individuals."

How is this "necessary" I am not sure, so I am wondering whether the lawyer, Alasgar Mammadli,  didn't have any more concrete explanations apart from stating that "country's political landscape makes such protections necessary"? I thought we were a transparent democracy?!

Anyway, it is obvious that these new changes in our legislation are surely only meant to further embed the authoritarian rule in Azerbaijan and to limit advocates in their attempts to uncover the corrupted nature of most of the Azerbaijani leadership. What will be next? Asking for a permission to speak (though this too ain't far from becoming a reality- as those who speak of what is happening in the country are either "drug addicts", "traitors" or "hooligans")? I guess we'll see soon... how our country turns into a police state.

"Baku- city of future"

Inspired by movies like Minority Report, Star Wars and if not more, this new ad about Baku is yet another insane investment project aimed at changing old Baku or at least what is left of it completely. Indeed a country once known as land of fires, will only remain in old photographs and documentaries just like in this video ad. I wonder, will the new technologies in City Administration make it work better or yet in fact, actually do work? Will computerized education make teachers stop taking bribes? 

When will we finally understand that it is not the technology or high rise glass buildings or fancy roller coaster rides that make one country the future. The change must come within, no matter how many buildings you construct or introduce online learning, the rotten system will remain rotten. 

If we are talking about a real change, then why not make a video about Azerbaijani regions having gas and electricity and sewage systems? Why not show better schools where students will actually have heating and proper bathrooms? Why not show corrupted leaders pay for everything they have stolen? Why not show a real city of the future? 

You be the judge... Is this the city of future you want? 

Baku- a year later, changes are there but what about conscience?

My heart was racing. I was standing at the passport control at Haydar Aliyev International Airport. I was nervous. After being called a traitor, an agent and many other negative things by our beloved media, it was my first time home since my last visit to Baku in December of last year. I was nervous and millions of unpleasant thoughts for pacing through my mind. 

Few minutes down the waiting line, a woman in crispy uniform with a pretty smile said "Welcome home!" and stamped my passport. I was smiling too. Now when I think of that moment, I can feel the heavy weight lifting off my shoulders. 

I was excited to be back. 

But Baku didn't change. Apart from new constructions, a bit of usual glitz here and there everything was the same. The sad and stern looks on people's faces were everywhere- on the streets, on public transportation. The daily concerns did not disappear as quickly and as easy as some parts of old Baku destroyed for new construction projects and other mind blowing changes planned for the new Baku.

And though this may sound too dramatic, it felt like I was back in a country that had no future. Yes, and you might not agree with it. You don't have to agree with it. But, we, the citizens of Azerbaijan have no future because our future is being taken away from us. The life, the standards, the country we could possibly have one day, remains a distant dream, hidden inside of people like Bakthiyar Hajiyev who is still serving his unjustly given sentence in prison. 

I thought of the people sitting behind their desks up there watching their Baku and ours, taken apart piece by piece, people forced to misery- all aware of where we have come. Surely, these officials are also aware that no matter how many new buildings they construct, or facades build, they will never cover the reality- poor health care, deteriorating education, non- existent social care and most importantly human relations (you might say how is that relevant, but it is. If you suffocate people so much, no one is going to care about others, its all going to become one big survival of the fittest struggle, if not it has already become so). 

New Baku looks nice, but who is it for? You can "renovate" as many schools as you want, as many hospitals as you want, but if those who work there hold on to their old habits, all of this "beautification" is pointless. If young men on the metro don't know how to behave, if people litter the streets, if no one respects a line in front of an ATM machine- then none of them are going to understand the new Baku. They simply don't care! And why would they- if they struggle with their daily lives, if they need to take care of sick parents, if they need to pay a bribe at their local school or university...

Its just sad. Seeing how much is wasted, the potential human resources, and most importantly the potential future we might have. Its recklessly going away as if we are eternal, as if what have is infinite. We all are going to leave this world one day, but its the next generations who are going to stay behind and struggle with what we are leaving behind. 

Albert Camus once said "by definition, a government has no conscience. Sometimes it has a policy, but nothing more". Today Azerbaijani government has a policy- arrest, silence, forget, bribe, renew, rebuilt and don't look back. The question is, what policy will it have tomorrow? 

"We want a democratic state!"

Indeed, that is what many young people in Azerbaijan want. And I am saying young, as most of the elders, have lost hope in any change in Azerbaijan. Perhaps they lost it in 2003, or maybe in 2005. Or perhaps it was the Referendum and the last elections. But the youth is the future as it is repeated many times and so they/ us still have hope. We hope that Azerbaijan will become a democracy and we want it to become a democracy because we don't want to see next generations to come uneducated, unprofessional, unethical and most of all without hope. 

Some of the words that appear in the vide as "titles" are "student, doctor, journalist, oligarch, judge, state employee".