Updates from the land of fire[d] "reforms"

Wow, it has been a while. In fact, a year and two months since I shared my speech at the opening ceremony from Forum 2000 last year. 

But that is not why I am here again. 

I thought I vent out and what not a better place, then here, on my good old blog. 

So, what has been going on in Azerbaijan? 

A lot, actually. And I find it hard to keep up, especially as I work on the book about Azerbaijan, and things keep changing, so I keep going back to my earlier chapters and adding footnotes to names, institutions, or legislation that changed, was replaced or sacked [in no particular order that is]. 

So, first things first, the Azerbaijan parliament has been dismissed or dissolved, by itself (or by the president) - which is still against the constitution so the general understanding is that it was dismissed by the president. The new election set to take place on February 9, 2020. And plus, no one really gives a damn about the constitution or laws in Azerbaijan, especially when they are always in favor of the government. On December 4, two days after the parliament voted to dismiss itself, the Constitutional Court in Azerbaijan ruled in favor of the decision approving the call for an early election saying it was not really against the country's constitution.

The official reason (or based on what Bahar Muradova read from her statement on the day the parliament was dismissed) to assist the government in on-going reforms (note: read between the lines, please, there are NO reforms). You would be surprised (or not) to hear 99 members voted in favor - so all those members who have "tirelessly" said yes, to everything that president has told them to say yes to were kicked out. 

Remember one of my first posts here about "flock of sheep"? In case you don't, here is a reminder. 

The president has also sacked some of his high ranking officials. Including Ramiz Mehdiyev (81), the head of the Presidential Apparatus or as he is known in more candid circles - Don Corleone - and a man known for his allegiance to the former president Heydar Aliyev. 

The president has also reshuffled the cabinet of ministers as well as the Presidential Apparatus. But please observers, don't be fooled by what you are seeing. It is the same family, the same mindset, and the same interests running the country. If anything, the new government is going to be rougher than the previous one.

Early parliamentary election

Not everyone is happy (not that there was a time when everyone was happy in the country). In just two months, candidates have to register, prepare their campaign and run for the parliament. Well, if these are going to be free and fair elections that is.

The opposition thinks the time allocated is not enough. Former leader of opposition party Isa Gambar told Azadliq Radio that the decision is nothing but an attempt to set up a designated parliament.  

Others are considering boycotting elections. 

Meanwhile, government representative Ali Ahmadov [Deputy PM] said, "The truth is, the people have boycotted the radicals [this is how he refers to the opposition]. And as a result, no one wants to hear their [opposition] calls [for boycott]. 

FYI, on December 23, Azerbaijanis will vote in Municipal Elections. 

The Central Election Committee says there are no issues with having two elections in such close time.

In my humble opinion, we can expect a few possible outcomes:
1. all newly "elected" parliament members won't be ideologically much different the previous ones, although they may be a few decades younger than the recently dismissed MPs;
2. a few opposition representatives may be "allowed" to enter the parliament but have very little impact given the majority is still going to be represented by the members of the ruling party (note: read between the lines once again, likely to be split between Pashayev and Aliyev fronts);
3. some concession and negotiations may take place between the authorities and the opposition where the latter will be allowed to be present;

Retirement plans and wages

You may ask what happens to the members of the parliament (and other high ranking government officials) who don't get elected in the next election? They retire, but not like any average pensioner in Azerbaijan. They get to enjoy a cushy pension. Which according to some independent economists is unfair, and so to make things fair, retired teachers, doctors, for instance, should be getting the same amount of pension as retired parliament members. Especially when you factor in the time spent in "active employment". 

Here is how it works: the minimum pension in Azerbaijan has been raised to 200AZN as of October 2019. A parliament member's pension is 80% of their monthly income which is about 4 times higher than the current minimum pension wage. 

And, in addition, even if you have been in the parliament for ten years an MP can get at minimum 1000AZN - compared to 20-30-40 and more years of work that teachers, doctors put in before they retire. 

Example: with a work experience of 40 years a teacher gets paid 256AZN after retirement, while a parliament member, who has been at the parliament even for one term [thats just five years], gets around 1100AZN. 

Parliament member Fazil Mustafa, says it's a fair recommendation to make all pensions equal, or at least improve those of the teachers and others but ensuring equal pensions may strain the state budget. 

It was only in October this year that minimum wages were raised [likely fearing more social unrest amid growing tension between the general public and the authorities]. As a result, monthly wages were raised from 180AZN to 250AZN [approximately 150USD]. While a monthly pension was raised from 160 to 200AZN.    

Meanwhile, parliamentarian's wages have been on a steady increase. As of May 1, 2018 MPs in Azerbaijan receive 1,732AZN [approximately 1,000USD]. 

The cost of living in Azerbaijan was set at 180AZN in 2018. Also, it is worth noting that the cost of living between 2014 and 2018 increased by 48AZN.

It is not only the pension that sets officials apart from the commoners. Ramiz Mehdiyev was appointed the president of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (may I remind you that he is 81). Or, Novruz Mammadov who until he was "dismissed" served as the Prime Minister was appointed as the Vice-rector of Azerbaijan University of Languages. Or Heydar Asadov, former minister of agriculture was appointed the new rector of Azerbaijan State Maritime Academy.

In other news

*The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, published today the report on her visit to Azerbaijan, with recommendations on how to ensure freedom of expression, increase the number of lawyers and the quality of legal assistance in the country, and empower internally displaced persons (IDPs). 

 *PACE’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights has found that, on the basis of factual findings of the European Court of Human Rights, a number of individuals are “political prisoners” according to the Assembly's definition. Recalling the Court’s finding of a “troubling pattern” of politically motivated misuse of the criminal justice system, and the significant number of similar cases pending before the Court, the committee said that “fundamental reforms are necessary if Azerbaijan is to fulfill its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights”.

So in case, with all your good intentions and hope, you have been thinking there is a sudden wind of change in Azerbaijan, forget it, and I mean it. The only kind of wind you will see (or feel)- is the same iffy kind of wind that's been blowing away our future (and present). 

Azerbaijan talking about sanctions against America

On December 23, a draft law on the situation of human rights in America was presented at the national parliament of Azerbaijan. The bill was introduced by Rovshan Rzayev who happens to be the chairman of the legal policy and state building committee of the Azerbaijani Parliament and also board member of the Azerbaijan community of NK region of Azerbaijan Republic. 

The draft law focuses on the double standards used by a group of selected countries and organizations against Azerbaijan. The main country targeted in the bill (as you can tell from the name) is United States and some of its organizations. “These organizations are trying to influence the country’s internal and foreign policy through various means", reads the draft bill. 

“One of the ways to constantly influence Azerbaijan is holding biased and one sided position on human rights and democracy issues”. 

"While it regularly prepared reports on the situation of human rights across the world, United States itself avoids joining some of the important international human rights treaties" 

"So far, US signed only 4 out of 14 documents prepared by the UN on human rights. US remains among the two countries (other one being Somalia) who has not ratified the convention on children's rights", reads the bill. 

"In recent years we have seen growth in racial and religious discrimination, xenophobia, and Islamophobia as well as a total control over society, invasion of privacy and increased measures of restrictions over freedom of expression and media". 

"Legal corruption and lobbying have become main attributes of US political system". 

"Negative developments taking place within the US and its claims for world hegemony pushes Azerbaijan to reassess its partnership and the years of bilateral relations with this country". 

   

The bill is divided into several parts focusing on discrimination on race and religion; surveillance; corruption; election fraud; violation of international rights and principles in United States. 

"One third of America's black population is either in prison, custody or under investigation". The bill also mentions Ferguson case. "The events which followed after the murder, demonstrated discrimination, police arbitrariness, blatant violation of citizen's rights to freedom of assembly". 

Even Trump made it into the bill too. "It is no coincidence that the US Presidential candidate Donald Trump has proposed a ban on entry for Muslims". 

Under the subheading of surveillance and restrictions to freedom of speech and press, the bill notes how mass surveillance following the 9/11 events has spread across the whole country. 

Corruption section is a gem on its own. "80% of the country's population thinks state structures are completely corrupted. In 2015 alone there were 2320criminal cases opened against various government officials". 

But many of these cases claims the bill are kept away from media and the American people. 

Last but not least, the bill also mentions mass election violations. "No one doubts, that the US election system is defective" says the bill. 

"The investigation into election fraud in 2000 were not completed. The recount of votes in the state of Florida was never completed" reads the bill. 

"The voters registration is also in a terrible state. So if the citizen is not registered as a voter, he/she cannot vote. This in return leaves 1/4 of America's voters unable to vote". 

The bill notes that in last elections in America, some of the European observers (from the European Parliament) were not allowed to choose which polling stations to choose for observation. "During voting, observers are not allowed to take pictures, use mobile phones and even talk to other other people". 

  

At the very end, the bill provides a list of recommendations.

To the MFA bill suggests visa bans based on the following list 

• Representatives of US government and their family members; 
• Congressmen, senators, and their family members who continuously work on discrediting Azerbaijan at the US Congress; 
• High ranking government officials and experts working with Armenian diaspora organizations and lobby groups; 
• Heads of mainstream media outlets, representatives of non-governmental organizations and experts who are engaged in slander and smear; 
• Those engaged in election violations; 
• Those who are against US joining human rights focused international agreements". 

The Cabinet of Ministers is advised to suspend all agreements Azerbaijani state has signed with American companies.

Representative of private sector are advised to suspend all agreements with American companies and refuse any new economic/commercial ties with American companies. 

To the relevant executive powers the bill advise: 

• to stop all projects implemented by US-based organizations and freeze their bank accounts (as if that has not happened already);
• to stop activities of all non-governmental organizations funded by the State Department and US Congress with representatives in Azerbaijan; 
• to bad transportation of any American military and other goods through Azerbaijan;

To the United States:

• stop gross violation of human rights, racial and religious discrimination, xenophobia and Islamophobia;
• end inhuman treatment of prisoners;
• stop use of force against peaceful protesters;
• fight corruption;
• give up lobbying;

So there you have it (this is not all but most of the translation) I can now tell everyone that I have lived to see the days when my country drowning in corruption, with over 80 political prisoners, with no freedom of expression and media freedoms is talking about sanctions against United States. 

Can it get any more ridiculous than this?! I now fear it might....

The Battle of the AK Party: fighting their way through dark powers (impressions from an electoral rally)

 “We brought close to 9,000 people today and that is just from our neighborhood of Esenyurt”, said 48-year-old Abidin. “But there were also so many others coming from all over Istanbul. There were even ferries that carried close to 800 people today”, he added. Abidin was among designated drivers in charge of bringing people to the electoral rally organized by the AK Party and held in Istanbul’s Maltepe district on May 17. Interrupting Abidin’s approximate calculations, a young man standing next to Abidin, says there were three million people on the square. Looking back at square it is hard to calculate the exact turnout but certainly three million is an overstretch but the young man is certain its three million to be exact.  

The “parallels” are ought to get us but they wont win 

On June 7, Turkey will cast its vote for its new 550 seat Grand National Assembly in a party list proportional representation system. To make it in, the party must overcome the 10% threshold, which has always been disputed by the opposition groups. Because according to the present voting system, any votes cast below 10% are automatically transferred to the winning party. The threshold does not apply to the independents. 

The new Assembly will form Turkey’s 25th parliament. AKP is seeking 4th consecutive year in the government in these elections. If the party wins all 330 seats then President Erdogan will have the necessary backing at the parliament to change the constitution. But in order to bypass the referendum, the party needs 367 seats. AKP’s agenda includes switching to a presidential system, advancing the solution with the Kurdish rebels and revised constitution. 

But the Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu mentions none of these, as he took stage at the Maltepe Square yesterday. Instead, PM Davutoglu focused on AKP’s achievements since coming to power, and the vicious intentions of the Bermuda triangle of key opposition parties together with parallel structures to topple the party. He did not mention whom exactly these parallel structures represent but this is a political tool introduced by the then Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan shortly after the Gezi Protests and the corruption probe. The so-called parallel structures were after destroying Turkey and preventing its growth. 

Back on the stage Davutoglu was giving an example of a university entrance exam scoring calculation – four incorrect answers take one correct answer. AK Party constituted the only one correct answer while the opposition CHP, MHP, DHP plus the “parallels” were the incorrect answers. “They cannot come to power so instead they are planning to get together and get in the way of the AKP with their coalition. But they cannot win. How can they prevent us with Istanbul backing us up?! Are we going to teach them a lesson on June 7?” shouted Davutoglu with his cracking voice having traveled across 40 provinces already. “Yes” the crowd cheered back. Davutoglu repeats the question this time even louder, “Yes”, yells the crowd raising in the air the AKP flags they were given when coming onto the square. 

On the other side of the stage, some people were leaving. “It is normal, they have been here for hours now. They are tired. It is crowded and many of the families came with their children. People want to go home”, said Abidin as he phoned his last passenger who was missing before he headed back to the bus he was driving back to Esenyurt. 

As crowds continued to leave even with PM still addressing the crowd from the stage one rally attendant turned around and said, “They have done the most good. I am their big supporter and wanted to tell you this”, he says as he rushes off to join his bus. 

A 44 year-old state employee Ahmet (who preferred not to give his real name nor his place of work) confirmed what the other passer by said. “Everything is changing for the better. Look at these people [pointing at the leaving crowd], they might have no money in their pockets but as least they are peaceful”, said Ahmet. But is there anything Ahmet would like to see improve? He nods, “the salaries of state employees”. 

The rally organized in Istanbul was important for the ruling AK Party. This is one of the three biggest cities of Turkey. During last year’s presidential elections, over 3.5 million voters cast their ballots for the AKP. The party is determined to get just as much. That is why much effort was put in bringing as many people as possible to the electoral rally in Istanbul. “We are three million gathered here”, yelled presenter at the rally yesterday. It was not surprising that the young man who interrupted Abidin earlier on, also believed there were 3 million. 

But concerns mount about AKP’s plans once elected. Critics of the AKP say the party will do all that is necessary to diminish any separation of powers within Turkey’s political and legal system. There is also the issue of freedoms. In a recent interview with Today’s Zaman, the founder of Oy ve Otesi association (volunteer election observation organization), Sercan Celebi said, “After the Gezi protests, the majority of people have realized that they will not be able to lead their lives independently of the political process. The sphere of freedom has been restricted, and as long as we are not part of the processes, we realize that things will become worse”. 

Sitting on a bench and taking a rest after the rally, 66 year-old Ibrahim Sahin says although he is AKP supporter this should be their last term. “They should let go in the next elections” (which are scheduled for 2019). “This country was in shambles. I moved to Istanbul from Ordu in 1962-63 and I have seen it all – the difficulties. I remember even saying to myself that if this is the way the country is run then the end is imminent. Now, some fifty years alter I see a transformed Turkey. Things have changed to the better thanks to the work of the AK Party”. Ibrahim Sahin is retired state employee and he is also the first AKP supporter who was frank about AKP’s ruling style. “It is a matter of experience, you need to give others a chance to get experience”, he adds as he enjoys the sunset over Marmara. 

Will AKP give a chance to other parties in transparent elections or will it continue its grip on power? June 7 elections will show.

Azerbaijan's one hell of a public service efficiency

If there is one thing Azerbaijani government is efficient at then I'd say its jailing people (and I see how authorities might see this as part of the public service). It is true that recent service provision like "asan xidmet" [Trans: Easy Service] have made things a tat bit easier for citizens to get things done but lets be honest here, writing about this is like saying shut your eyes and just get what i shove down your throat - if its public service efficiency crap then that's what its going to be for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Here is why the rant. An article that appeared on Guardian talks about an e-service center that started working in the capital of Baku providing citizens "eased" public services. You can get a new passport as well as national identification card and a myriad of other services done here. And its all corruption free! Yeay!

The problem isn't so much about the service but about who stands behind it. The man behind is Ali Huseynov, an MP, and by default member of the ruling party. He is also Chairman of the Parliament's Law Committee which means he is behind many of the draconian laws Azerbaijani parliament adopted in the past. Huseynov firmly stands behind his GONGO called Azerbaijan Lawyer Confederation where he is the chairman of the board. 

The author of the Guardian article is Kamal Jafarov, who happens to be the Secretary General of the same Confederation. 

Get the link between the two? Maybe it was even Huseynov who wrote the piece and needed someone else name to put on that article. But thats besides the point. The point is while we have over 98 political prisoners, dismal rights record, and decapitated media, how can we have "news" about services as Asan. Its like, hey, no matter how many people are sent to jail and under what pretext, the important thing is that you can still pay your bills and get your shit done at this one place - isn't it great?! Isn't this wonderful?! Who cares about the rest, isn't it all just a technicality?! 

How AKP runs the country

If you have been following news on Turkey you all know the back story. The protests of the last summer shook the country, its leadership and brought out many grievances accumulated over the past decade of the ruling Justice and Development Party. The graft scandal in December further showed the other face of the party, the one deeply involved in shady business deals and corruption. Then came the controversial bills on judiciary power and the Internet followed by the release of phone conversations between the Prime Minister and few other individuals including his son, and finally the death of a young boy, Berkin Elvan that sparked more country wide protests.

But I bet here is something that you didn't know or not yet at least. This ad appeared on TV channels just a few hours ago. The ad is promoting Turkish flag, the national anthem, religion and the evil forces trying to eliminate all of that (starring an evil guy dressed in black whose face we never see, which kind of plays with the whole "third powers" argument of the Prime Minister). And so the people start running, determined to stop the evil from ruining their future. 

If they would have added the riot police preventing these people from running and threw in few water cannon vehicles the picture would have been complete. Maybe next video ad- this time promoting the skills of accurate aiming of the Turkish riot police would do total justice. 

What you also didn't know most likely is that the ad was banned from TV shortly after it was aird but strangely few people spotted the ad on some of the channels. Today, as the Turkish Parliament was debating the graft scandal, all of a sudden most of the state TV channels stopped broadcasting the debate. It was thanks to the CHP MP Melda Onur and her i-pad and her quick thinking that it was possible to watch the debate on livestream.

How convenient or shall I say ironic that when the banned TV ad is still aired on state TV channels, the debate on something far more important isn't.

Mentality of our Azerbaijani bones

I have lived in several countries in my 20 something life, and nowhere did I hear the word mentality used so often than in my home sweet home Azerbaijan. 

What is this mentality? Some degree of machismo? Or maybe superiority?

Apparently in Azerbaijan it means a lot. For instance, comedians dressing up in women's clothes (which is something many comedians around the world do) is considered "as contradictory to Azerbaijani mentality". Or so says, one of our parliament members Fazil Mustafa. I wonder what else Mr. Mustafa considers as contradictory after hearing him say this. 

I am just curious since when this has become contradictory? Its been done through centuries. Should I remind you of Shakespeare?

You see this is why Azerbaijan is lagging behind with the whole concept of gender equality and women's rights. I am not a feminist, nor will I ever be one (this is just a side note for those whose minds it crossed). I am just for equality and for removal of such senseless expressions as "against/contradictory to mentality". Yes we have a very traditional society where men and women are not treated as equals, where woman's place is at home and man's at work, where women get most of the time off work when they give birth and men get none, even though the baby belongs to both of them, and they should both be entitled to spend the initial (and crucial) first months with the baby and... Wait a second, where was I? Ah right, family, equality and gender, oh and lets not forget the key word in this post- mentality!

So yes, mentality and what contradicts it- maybe its time we really start breaking the stereotypes within our heads?! Mentality is just another excuse for men and sometimes even women to bring it up as an argument, an exit strategy. It doesn't suit us!

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!"

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...

Parliament for sale part 2- why there is no reaction from our very own parliament

A reaction on Facebook from a friend of mine, prompted me to write another post on this video scandal. And its a good point- why none of our so called democratically elected parliament members said anything about Guler Ahmadova's video? Why none of them came forward to say for instance that this is not true about the rest of them, that they haven't paid for their seats, or that they have been democratically elected, or that this is a terrible thing to happen and a disgrace to their reputation as the country's executive body... 

Here is probably why:

- Milli Majlis [MM] has been stripped of its many powers a very long time ago and is afraid to put in practice any of the powers it still posses;

- MM is merely a stamping machine approving everything sent in from "above";

- MM is not democratically elected body;

- MM members are afraid for their seats and mandates;

- As of 2010 MM consists of ruling party members;

and so on and so forth...

Just in- Guler Ahmadova voluntarily gave up her mandate

Yes, I didn't dream of it but its what Ms. Ahmadova said in an article published here [AZ]:

I haven't gone anywhere, I am in Baku, at my home. In order to help the investigation process I have voluntarily gave up my mandate. I continue to live as an ordinary citizen in the country" said Ahmadova in an interview with APA.

 There were rumors that Ms. Ahmadova fled the country following the video scandal, however, she dismissed these rumors. She is angry though. She is demanding Elshad Abdullayev (the man in the video bargaining for the parliamentary seat) to join the investigation.

Now its Elshad Abdullayev's turn. Let him now stop this mailing and video game, come to the investigation, and respond to all the questions on legal basis.

It is not surprising she is angry. After all she is no longer untouchable, and she lost her major source of income. I am just wondering, where does she spend this money, she must be incredibly rich? I doubt she is into philanthropy and is saving money for a greater cause, unless of course, that greater cause is something to do with her and her family?! Who knows... Thats a mystery to be resolved, or not... 

Video of Guler Ahmadova bargaining over parliamentary seat- now with English subtitles

I shared this video in my earlier post on the issue. However the original video was in Azerbaijani. This time you can watch the video with English subtitles. Watch and share! We are yet to see what will happen to Ms. Ahmadova... In the meantime, at least we have confirmed that corruption and bribery in Azerbaijan has no limits. That is why Azerbaijani Milli Majlis (the National Parliament) will never exercise its executive power. That is why non of our "democratically elected" MPs will ever stand by their people, vote on laws that would protect the people. The only body they will stand by will be their President- the one and only, Aliyev All Mighty! And that will always be their Achilles Hill- one mistake, one wrong word, one statement (against the President and his cronies of course) and your mandate is gone, and you are back among those very people you disrespect and fool by fake elections, false promises and look at them from above as if you are untouchable forever...

The full transcript of the video available here.

Parliament for sale and Guler Ahmadova's "surprising" response

This image I am sharing was circulated on Facebook and so I could not resist the temptation to share it here with you. The rough translation of the photo:

"There are so many out there wanting to be parliament members..." (c)- now guess who the author of these words is. Probably wont be that difficult.

Now, back to the scandal- Ms. Ahmadova said the video was a fluke and that it was montage- at this point I want to say Montage my a**! I think our government really considers 100% of its population as dumb! 

As if I cannot tell the difference between whats real and whats not! As if I am (and so are the rest of the millions of fellow Azerbaijanis) imbecile?! We all knew about corruption! We all knew about fraudulent elections! We know that our country is not a democracy and to claim it otherwise is simply dishonest (but hey, what I talking about here- honesty, that is something not in lexicon of our officials)! People are not idiots! The fact that nobody says anything is another story- people are afraid to say or do anything because they are afraid of getting arrested, being beaten up, disappear, lose their jobs, put their families and relatives in danger (and even murdered I am afraid to say)! Everybody knows about millions of stocked away revenues! But to have the arrogance and come out to say that this was a montage is simply UNACCEPTABLE! For once stop treating your people as imbeciles- because we are not! 

Yes, Azerbaijani government is systematically raising imbeciles- like those two so- called sportsmen who beat up Emin and Adnan. Or like those civilian dressed "guards" who carry (or shall I say just shovel) people into police cars during protests. Or those "officers" who knock women down and don't look back but then when it suits them they talk about morality and how much respect Azerbaijani woman has in our society! 

Ms. Ahmadova what you are saying is so desperate of a statement for someone who has gotten herself so deep in sh** that its funny. You are making a joke of yourself. Just accept it and resign with some dignity (if there is any) left in you...

A scandal of some sort- Azerbaijani female MP caught on camera discussing bribes

(Updated see below)

Well, its not surprising that an MP was caught discussing bribes nor the fact that MP was a female. Corruption and bribing has become such a normal occurrence by this time in Azerbaijan that hardly scandals of this sort really change anything. Perhaps, a bit of change- at least for savvy social media users the recent case of an Azerbaijani female MP discussing a specific amount of "500" (the rest of "0"s are unbeknownst) created lots of room for debate. As of yesterday for instance, a trending #500olsaydi [AZ] ("if there was 500") on Twitter became a popular way to express what would someone do if they had that "500" or various jokes about Ms. Ahmadova. In fact, some even decided to start polls- asking what would happen to infamous MP (or shall I actually say a YouTube star?)- will she be stripped of her mandate? Will she resign? Will she be treated as a hero?" and questions alike.

This video [AZ] at the end of this post, is the proof of Ms. Ahmadova discussing that bribe of "500". Since its in Azerbaijani, I thought I share a short excrept from the conversation that is taking place between the three of our heroes (by the way, so as not to confuse anyone, the elections at stake here are the 2010 parliamentary elections).

Gular Ahmadova: "I am well experienced in "petty fights"! You can't joke in politics! You have seen Ali Insanov, Ferhad Aliyev [currently arrested former ministers]! I am a person who eliminated [scratched off] the list of candidates [during the parliamentary elections in 2010] that went to the President! I take the money myself, who is Mr. Ramiz [Mehdiyev]? This is my price! I am the one who is asking for the bribe!"

I take the "500" is probably 500.000. The question is of what? Manats? USDollars? Most probably Manats, but hey who cares. We'll see what is going to really happen to Ms. Ahmadova. I doubt anything serious. And even if she is stripped of her mandate or taken down (very very very best case scenario), the rest of the 123 MPs still stand and who knows when their dirty deeds will surface...

(Updated)
The man in the video is Elshad Abdullayev, rector of a private university in Azerbaijan. Currently Abdullayev lives in France in exile. The bribe at stake is how much he must pay to become a member of the parliament. The conversation or bargaining would be a better fit for what is happening in the video heats up when Abdullayev says he was told it would 500 and not one million, while Ms. Ahmadova begins to boasts of her "successful career" as a rigger (see the short excerpt above). For more details, you can read this piece by AzeriReport.