Read between the lines- Azerbaijan AliyevYAPtions

So elections are over in Azerbaijan. We all knew the results ahead of time. In fact, not sure what was the point of having these elections. Even the voter turnout says enough. According to official results, over 56% of voter turnout. According to opposition, half of that if not less. Some say it was even around 10%. 

But, given this is Azerbaijan, and given voter's opinions never mattered, not since 1993 at least, there is no point in getting into deep and long conversations about the numbers. 

Long story short, the ruling party won (as if thats a surprise), and the "independents" who made it into the parliament, well, thats why I have quotation marks around that word. 

Not surprisingly, so far, none of the candidates of the "Freedom" block made it to the parliament. 

The main election body in Azerbaijan, the Central Election Committe rang the usual bells- all is well, all is good, great elections, transparency and bla bla bla. 

In the meantime, reports of mass violations kept coming in from independent observers with evidence of not only the usual ballot stuffing but also Azerbaijan's all time favorite by now, the carousel voting. Some of its main stars even smiled to the cameras as they walked from one station to another. I guess its the irony. 

And looks like Azerbaijan is headed for more tough times, so my sincere apologies and condolences to whatever civil society community and media thats left in the country. Winter is coming and it ain't our usual HBO series type of winter. Its going to be ugly with lots of ugly people telling us what to do, more arrests, intimidation, and probably even death. 

Yes, that might be the only resemblance with GoT but thats beside the point. 

How I know about this? Well, its easy, just read- between- the- lines of what Ali Hasanov, the chief atrocities perpetrator (although he falls way below the chief chief atrocity perpetrator in Azerbaijan, the he-who-shall-not-be-named but I am going to name him anyway Ramiz The Allmighty Mehdiyev). Where was I? Right the statement of Mr.Mustache Hasanov. 

And here is what I mean. Hasanov said the newly elected MPs (even though many of them were in their seats already) will carry on our parliament tradition. Which basically means if you don't know already, waste time, make useless remarks with sometimes more useless promises, pass more critical bills, limit more freedoms, get paid, get fat, and forget about human values. 

Of course he said more than this, but it doesn't matter because its the same type of nonsensical diatribe. So I won't waste any more of my nor yours time my dear reader on what else he said and how we should read it. Because as I said, it is all the same. Just simply think opposite- if Azerbaijan official utters the word democracy, think authoritarian, if he/she says transparent elections think violations, ballot stuffing and so on and so forth. Its easy, like a game. 

So what's next? Well, nothing really. Another theater play is over. And we are yet to see its side effects and I have a feeling there is going to be many.

Oh and in case you are interested, here are storify stories on yesterday's elections by me and another Azerbaijan watcher Rebecca Vincent.

Mr. President, you have failed us

President Aliyev,

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

It is unfortunate...

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

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

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

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

Everything you have touched, is infected.

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

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

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

You think we need Zahra Hadid?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Azerbaijan is tortured by and you alike.

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

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

Burton's wild imagination

Nah, unfortunately it wont be Tim Burton I will be writing about. Although I wish it was. Its easier to write about true artists and talented people than about people who pretend to be knowledgeable and say some very strange things about places, people, and issues they don't really know much about (or worse, are paid to say or write). 

So here is another Burton, Dan Burton, a former Republican member of U.S. House of representatives from Indiana. 

Mr. Burton recently wrote a piece about Azerbaijan, giving it a catchy title "Why Azerbaijan is important to America and the free world?"

Turns out former Republican member knows this super great, amazing country - Azerbaijan - but thats the problem you see. There is no such Azerbaijan Burton is writing of. And here is why. 

In his piece Burton describes Azerbaijan as a country committed to religious tolerance and understanding. Hmm... Is this why few religious figures are sitting in jail? And which understanding? I am guessing just because we have some churches and synagogue its a sign of understanding? 

Moving forward, Burton writes "Tolerance in Azerbaijan is an example to the entire world". Oh my! well thats something. If the entire world would take the "tolerance" exercised in Azerbaijan as an example then sooner than later there will be more people in jail (arrested on bogus charges of course); there will be no free media left (bought by the government or ready to suck up at any cost); rampant corruption; abuse of human rights and crackdown over free voices. 

As Burton writes "Azerbaijan has taken impressive steps in just 23 years" - well if you mean mastering the crackdown, corruption, and failing at building a democracy then yes, impressive indeed! Azerbaijan has taken impressive steps in building up fear; in discouraging its own citizens; in failing at providing equal, fair and top quality education across the country; in failing to provide basic services and care of its own people! This is no big news, all it takes is visiting few villages outside of Baku Mr. Burton and you will see how "Far" and "impressive" the country has come. 

There is also something about economy too. "The economy is robust, and economic policies are aimed at improving the lives of citizens", well this is some statement. Which robust economy are we talking about here?! The one that depends solely on energy resources? Or the one that has failed so far at making this country a place where living standards are high, where people actually live and have a normal life (and don't give me that World Bank report conclusions please)! Of course this does not suit the government, why would it?! If Aliyev's cronies and himself remotely ever considered improving the lives of citizens (as Mr. Burton notes) well neither Aliyev nor his cronies would be in power right now. 

But there were few more things that really made me laugh - responsible free markets and gender equality. 

There is no such thing as free economy in Azerbaijan let alone responsible! Its all a monopoly of goods and businesses owned by very powerful men (yes men not women mind you) and of course government officials and the all mighty, his holy highness Mr. Aliyev himself.

And about that gender equality - there isn't much of it. Just because women were given a right to vote before the United States it doesn't mean women are equal in Azerbaijan. They have to fight for their rights harder, they have to prove themselves (if they ever get a chance), they have to keep on fighting to have an independent life and no, they do not get to choose often as decisions are made for them. Have you met powerful female government officials? And no, the head of the State Committee for Women, Family and Children does not count! 

So next time someone writes an apologetic piece about how great Azerbaijan is, make your research, visit the country, talk to the locals (and I mean really go and talk to the locals) and then its really up to you and your conscience. Just for the record, pieces as these do more harm for the people in this country not to mention the political prisoners, human rights defenders sentenced on bogus charges by the very same government people like Burton praise and are ready to lay.  

Oh and I just learned that Burton isn't just a former Republican member of U.S. House of representatives. He is also the chairman of the Azerbaijan America Alliance - an organization with a big name and just as big and generous of a pocket when it comes to "promoting" interests of Azerbaijan in "certain circles" and headed by the son of one of the corrupted minsters of Azerbaijan, Anar Mammadov.   

Killing her harshly

Yea, I know that song but its not about it, or maybe it is. What I am going to share is certainly about killing but not softly in this case. In prison they either kill you immediately or harshly (well you might say harshly softly too). 

Leyla Yunus, is a prominent human rights advocate from Azerbaijan. A woman of great respect, she has done her share of service to her country.

As many of you know she has been in prison. On false charges [just like 98 other political prisoners behind bars in Azerbaijan]. 

There has been a very special treatment towards Mrs. Yunus. She has been beaten by the prison guard already. She has been harassed by her cell mate. But above all, it looks like the prison management is determined on killing Mrs. Yunus. It must be easy for them. Keep the cell without heating. Don't give the person hot water to wash. Keep the medication away and voila soon you might have a dead inmate.

She has written numerous complaints, sent statements and pleas. But to no avail. The recent statement by her lawyers says she might not survive this winter unless the facilities and treatment changes and she is given proper medical care at the hospital.  It is unlikely the prison will comply since they don't care and they are bound to what the guys with big bellies "up there" tell them to do.

So what its going to be? Killing her harshly? Or softly? Or saving face and preventing a disaster rolling over their heads?!

When we need international attention the most, not everyone is interested as it turns out

A couple never separated before in their 36 years of marriage is currently in jail. A little boy is growing up without his father because he is in jail. An NGO head, determined to influence election results by publishing transparent reports on violations, is currently in jail. A well - respected human rights defender is in jail. The list goes on. According to the most recent report published by a group of civil society organizations there are 98 political prisoners in Azerbaijan. Those mentioned above, are on this list of other activists, journalists, and human rights defenders. All of these men and women are in jail as a result of their work in a country currently in charge of the Presidency of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers. The charges brought against them are just as false as the government’s statements on existence of freedom and democracy in Azerbaijan. 

And yet, the president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, gets off easy no matter what the next human rights violation – he is very rich and so is the country he reigns over. A kleptocrat by nature, Aliyev, is the son, of a former Politburo – member - turn - president, Heydar Aliyev. In 2003, when Aliyev senior died, he passed on the torch to his son, Ilham Aliyev in the country’s first undemocratic elections. And so did a new chapter for Azerbaijan begin. Aliyev secured a victory in presidential elections over the course of the next decade, changing the constitution in 2009 to scrape off the two-term limit. His victory in the most recent presidential elections in October of 2013 marks another era for Azerbaijan – a period of severe crackdown on dissent. While there has been an on-going witch-hunt against civil society activists, anti- government political party members, groups and human rights activists, never has the country witnessed the crackdown of such proportions. Just in the course of the past four months, 15 people were arrested all known for their critical and anti – Aliyev views. Some are facing life time imprisonment. 

Yet, in an e-mail correspondence with an editor from an XXX international publication I was told to perhaps tackle another issue in the upcoming article. Because this was not the first article sent in on the country's disturbing crackdown record. Alas, the outlet might come across as having a vested interest in showing Azerbaijan from this negative angle. Very unfortunate, as I was very much hoping this was an independent media outlet interested in shedding light on a country that's not discussed widely in the international media, not of its deteriorating human rights record at least. I am sorry if this is not interesting enough, but if nothing else is happening in a country apart from arrests, detentions and violation of the very basic right to free speech then I do not see how you can call yourself an independent outlet. Turns out there is a vested interest after all. Just of a different kind.

I will show you...

I think this image sums it pretty well how the authorities in Azerbaijan are responding to all of the local as well as international human rights defenders, journalists, and others who care about the deteriorating situation in Azerbaijan. And they do this openly, without any hesitation.

Gotta love this!

From our beloved president's Twitter account

(Updated on 03.07.2014)

The amazing quotes just keep on coming- these two for instance are my two new favorites! I wonder where its possible to find this "will" and "priority" 'cuz let me tell you, it ain't real! Perhaps there are special glasses or maybe an outfit one must wear to see this so- called "will"?! And if there is then they gotta' be available for everyone, not just the President!

The Republic of Azerbaijan declared the fight against corruption a priority of its presidency of the (cont) http://t.co/VSMGbrBiK1
— Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz) July 1, 2014

There is a strong political will to successfully combat corruption in Azerbaijan.
— Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz) July 1, 2014

We cooperate successfully within international organizations. In particular, our delegations to the Council (cont) http://t.co/LtTiQp5zMN
— Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz) June 17, 2014

That is caviar diplomacy in the making in case you didn't notice the depth in meaning of "within" and "active cooperation" part.
 

All fundamental freedoms are guaranteed in Azerbaijan. There are free media and free internet.
— Ilham Aliyev (@presidentaz) June 16, 2014

I think I will stick to this post keeping it updated with more amazing quotes to come (see updates in the beginning of the text)!

The men who stare at women (and goats too probably)

I loved that book "The men who stare at goats" but this is not about Jon Ronson's witty creation. Its more about the men who stare at women on the subway in Baku, the modern, flashing, glitzy capital of Azerbaijan. 

It was around 11.30pm. After a fun evening with my friends in town, it was time to go home. We said our goodbyes, and with one more friend we took the subway. She stayed on, while I had to switch lines and that's when all the fun began. In fact, the fun began already when we got on the subway, but I paid little attention to that- after all it was the two of us and we were chatting away. Waiting for the train on the platform surrounded by only men- how do girls get back home in this town? Taxis? Rides from their friends? Family members driving them home? No metros? Really? I wonder at what time does metro as a means of transportation, stops being means of transportation for women in this city? 

Apparently its all of the above. I wasn't the only female on the metro of course. There were few more, maybe four or five of us. But certainly we were a minority. And that was when "the men who stare at goats" title came to mind. I just had to alter it a bit to fit the proper situation. 

The men who stare at women are men who consider their eyes a god given right to... well... stare! And its not just a quick look! Its like eyeballing! As if their eyeballs are about to fall out and they absolutely must suck in everything that's around them (preferably "everything" in a moving form of a female). It was a difficult moment- no, it was a challenging subway ride. It felt as if I was visually harassed- and there was so much of it that it felt uncomfortable. 

In the meantime I examined and studied carefully every single dent on the wall of the subway station, on the floor of the subway station, on the signs of the subway. Soon there was nothing left to study and I had no interest in starting to re-count every single marble stone on the platform. Instead, I took out my book from my purse and started to read. I think it would have been ironic had I "The men who stare at goats" with me. But thats not the book I had.  

I continued reading, feeling the heat of looks multiply with every second. I mean, not only was I on the subway at that hour alone, but I could also read apparently! It was getting annoying. I wanted to lift my eyes and stare back at them. But had I done that, it would have been considered inappropriate and that I was attempting to flirt with them and god knows what else it could have meant in their perverted tiny little minds. And so I read. Luckily, the stop I had to get off at wasn't too far. And so there I was. Back on the platform, quickly walking away from the train. I got on the escalator, but didn't wait and decided to walk up. I realized how deep the tunnel was on this station, slowly taking deep breaths, trying to calm my heart beat. 

I was so happy to breath in the fresh air of the night. I was out. It felt nice not to be stared at anymore. I walked home, thinking how strange it must feel for Azerbaijani women to go through this experience every day. After all, it wasn't just a one time thing. This happens every day, every time on the subway, on the bus. Its like they get fixated on you, as if trying to eat you alive with their looks. Maybe its an exaggeration, but it certainly did feel that way. 

Celebrating Women- only once a year!

Today is March 8th- International Women's Day. The day when all the men around the world (or at least in places where this day is celebrated) congratulate women around them. They buy them presents, boxes of chocolates, and flowers. In fact, florists are probably the happiest people on this day, because its THE day of profits. Its great and all when you look at it from a festive point of view bu...

The flowers, the chocolate and the presents: 

Don't we deserve flowers every day rather than just one day in a calendar that has 364 other days based on the logic of all the messages and cards that are sold on this day (oh women are like flowers, they need to be treated well and sought after type of cards and messages)? How difficult is it to buy flowers for the women surrounding you on other days? Whats the excuse? And can I just say this?! I don't need anyone to take care of me thank you very much! I am perfectly capable of looking after myself, even if that means staying alone for the rest of my life and being called a feminist- because thats the excuse people who think otherwise tend to use.

Oh, its March 8th, lets go buy mom a present?! Why?! There are no other days, no other reasons to buy moms presents? They take care of us all their life, and yet, the only time we justify presents is on March 8th? Or what about our wives? Our sisters? Our friends? And I am not talking about massive, expensive presents, I am talking about simple things to express appreciation. Full stop!

Respect:

And what about Respect? Is this the only day in the year when women get to be respected? Not harassed? (Though I am sure as I write these words millions of women out there are getting harassed) Not treated like crap? Are employed as secretaries and lower paid jobs just because they are women and even if they are qualified to do better jobs (not to mention higher payed), just because their male boss(es) simply thinks he can, he does?!

Violence, tradition, norms:

What about violence? Do we honestly think that by being so sweet and kind on this day makes women who suffer violence suffer it less? Men who beat their wives, daughters and sisters less? Brothers who are ordered by their fathers to murder their sisters simply because some other man, looked at them? Young girls who are married off to older men simply because their fathers want to? Governments who pretend to care but never take measures against violence at home, gender equality and early marriages? 

And what about women who are forced to stay at home and take care of the households? Who are not allowed to study? Who are not allowed to travel? Who are not allowed to do anything?

Yes, it is March 8th, yes, we are flowers, yes, you love us all very much but lets just pause the frenzy for a moment. Perhaps, March 8th, should be the day, when we remind ourselves of the things other powerful, inspiring women have done in the world and take a lesson. Stop for a moment and think of all the injustice that was done against women and all the crimes that still are being committed against women simply because men can? Perhaps, this should be the day, when all of us, remind our governments and the world that a lot more needs to be done to improve the equality, to change mindsets, to educate, and then celebrate the cause. Happy International Women's Day! 

100,000 manat for a man's life

His name was Zaur Hasanov. He was a war veteran who provided for his family managing a cafe in Baku. On December 25th, Hasanov set himself ablaze in front of the Confederation of Trade Unions. He committed this act because his cafe was appropriated by a government crony- Sattar Mehbaliyev, chairman of the trade union. The cafe was taken away, demolished, and the veteran was refused any compensation for his property. 

Hasanov died today (his body suffered 3rd degree burns and was in a critical condition with 65% of his body severely damaged by the fire) at a local hospital leaving behind a devastated family of five. 

It was only after a public outcry that the government finally reacted to the case with Mehbaliyev himself promising to pay a lump sum of AZN100,000 to Hasanov's family in addition to a monthly compensation of 1,500manats. 

Mehbaliyev claims to have all the paperwork approved by the court (hmm... which courts? Azerbaijani courts? It must have been so hard for Mehbaliyev to get this "legal" paperwork in order!). 

Well Mr. Mehbaliyev, if you wouldn't have evicted the man in the first place and taken away his business from him, and showed at least a tat bit of respect to a war veteran, none of this would have happened.

Press Freedom Index 2013

Unintentionally I scrolled down. I knew Azerbaijan wont be anywhere in the high or middle ranking countries. If only Azerbaijani government wanted to strive to be first on every list, including one on press freedom. We are 156th among 179 countries (down by six places) ranked by Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index for 2013.

Why not strive to be like Finland? Or Norway? Alas, this wont be in line with our leadership's policies!

May I simply wish that as part of this New Year resolutions, the ruling party will make it its priority in setting an example of a country with highest standards of press freedom (and for real, without having to deny the truths and realities); release all of the imprisoned journalists, youth activists and promise a better future? 

Yes, childish and naive... Hey, its that time of the year when you could wish for anything...

Joint Statement of Civil Society Delegates to the 2013 Internet Governance Forum

See the original statement. 

 

Freedom House led a delegation of civil society leaders and online activists from around the world to Bali, Indonesia for the 8th Internet Governance Forum (IGF), the UN's flagship conference for discussing global Internet policy. Following the IGF, 17 organizations and individuals signed on to a joint statement to highlight the concerns they raised throughout the Forum, and to offer recommendations to governments, internet companies, and international organizations on how to better protect internet freedoms. This statement was delivered to the Forum during the Open Mic session on the final day by Bouziane Zaid.

We, the undersigned representatives of a group of civil society leaders worldwide who attended and participated in the 2013 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) on October 22-25 in Bali, Indonesia as part of the Freedom House delegation, make this statement at the meeting’s conclusion to highlight a number of opinions we expressed and concerns we raised throughout the Forum.

The 2013 IGF provided a valuable space for the members of our group to engage with other stakeholder groups, through the Forum’s sessions and also through side meetings and consultations with representatives of governments, businesses, the technical community, multilateral bodies, and civil society organizations from all over the world. We urge all stakeholders to continue to engage and participate in future IGFs, to strengthen the Forum’s multistakeholder process, and to uphold the principles of openness, transparency, and inclusiveness. Without the IGF, there is no comparable venue for civil society to directly raise its perspective and concerns with leaders in the government, the private sector, and the technical community.

We share the sentiment with the vast majority of IGF participants that the Internet governance process can and should be improved, but stress the importance of upholding and strengthening the multistakeholder approach to ensure that the internet remains open, global, secure and resilient. In calling for more efforts to promote, protect, and advocate for human rights online, our group has underscored broad principles and recommendations, such as:

1. All laws, policies, regulations, terms of service, user agreements, and other measures to govern the internet must adhere to international standards of human rights, including but not limited to Article 19 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, guaranteeing the right to freedom of expression; Article 12, guaranteeing the right to privacy; and Article 20, guaranteeing the right to free association. As an important step, states and other stakeholders must look to Human Rights Council Resolution 20/8 – adopted by consensus in July 2012 – affirming “that the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online, in particular freedom of expression,” and pledging to explore further “how the Internet can be an important tool for development and for exercising human rights.” This applies to ending illicit online surveillance by any government. To be legitimate and lawful, any surveillance must be limited, targeted, used to deter or investigate criminalized activity, and subject to independent judicial oversight.

2. Consistency across the many spaces for discussion around Internet governance issues – including those spaces clustered around regional, sub-regional, national, linguistic, and other groupings –  is crucial to ensure the principles of openness, transparency, and inclusiveness are upheld in all venues. This is not multistakeholderism for multistakeholderism’s sake, but rather recognizing the need to represent all voices, perspectives and interests in setting standards, norms, and policies that affect the internet, both locally and globally. The term multistakeholder is overused and applied to a wide range of events, groups and processes. Various international organizations, as well as national governments, must make it a top priority to replace lipservice to multistakeholderism with genuine efforts to bring all stakeholders to the table on equal footing.

3. Transparency and accountability are crucial next steps in the internet governance discussion, and need to be fully implemented by all stakeholder groups. Businesses are beginning to recognize transparency reports as serving their users and their corporate social responsibilities, as well as their bottom-line interests. Governments likewise should ensure that their policies and practices are fully transparent as a means of preserving their legitimacy, credibility, and moral authority with their own citizens and the international community. In instances of content censorship, surveillance, shutting down or deliberate slowing down of networks, and other methods of internet control, these two stakeholder groups must work independently and together to divulge details about these measures and have them open to public debate. In addition, governments should institute strict controls on the export of surveillance and filtering technologies to regimes that have failed to demonstrate a commitment to upholding human rights, while the private sector should take a close look at some of their own practices in this domain. In some countries, bloggers, activists, and other internet users are subject to beatings, imprisonment, and even murder when they post information critical of the authorities.

We thank the government of Indonesia for its warm hospitality and dedicated efforts in successfully hosting the 8th annual meeting of the Global IGF. Despite the confusion during the summer over whether the event would be held in Bali, we were able to convene our delegation of civil society advocates, activists and academics from more than 18 countries. However, three of our colleagues had to cancel their attendance owing to visa issues. The letter granting certain registered participants permission to obtain visas upon arrival in Indonesia came too late, was rejected by airline officials, and was not extended to participants from all countries. For future IGFs, it would be preferable to announce the visa on arrival special procedure well in advance and officially notify the appropriate channels.

Thank you.

Signatories:

- Freedom House
- The Unwanted Witness, Uganda
- Jorge Luis Sierra, México
- Damir Gainutdinov, Russian Federation, AGORA Association
- Nighat Dad, Pakistan, Digital Rights Foundation
- Artem Goriainov, Kyrgyzstan, Public Foundation “Civil Initiative on Internet Policy”
- Giang Dang, Vietnam
- Fatima Cambronero, Argentina, AGEIA DENSI Argentina
- Michelle Fong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong In-Media
- Dalia Haj-Omar, Sudan, GIRIFNA
- Bouziane Zaid, Morocco
- Syahredzan Johan, Malaysia
- Juned Sonido, Philippines
- Myanmar ICT for Development Organization (MIDO)
- Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM)
- Mahmood Enayat, United Kingdom, Small Media
- Abeer Alnajjar, Jordan
- Arzu Geybullayeva, Azerbaijan

Post flower day- millions spent on few hours of show and then...

When I saw this video I felt terribly sad for the people there- tearing apart flower decorations brought to the country just for one day, in fact few hours for a show that cost millions of Azerbaijani Manats- to celebrate the birthday of the late president. 

Were they doing it because they hated it? I doubt. Were they doing it because they just wanted some free flowers? Probably. 

Instead, perhaps Administrative Authorities could have organized a day of people in Azerbaijan, open food stalls for the poor, assist those families who are in need, pay extra that month to teachers, doctors, and other state employees- all of this still could have been done in the name of the late president if thats the aim- to commemorate, to pay respect- at least, they could have done something to commemorate the tragedy of April 30th, the shooting at the state oil academy and done something nice for the veterans on Victory Day on May 10th. But I guess none of this would look as grand as the Flower Day...

Happy Women's Day in a not so happy world

I come from an ex- Soviet country. March 8th, was a big thing back home. In fact, it still is. I think its a holiday even. But when I think of women at home and women all around the world, there is not much happiness that I see out there waiting for them. At home, women are subject to domestic violence, speaking of gender equality makes one automatically a feminist and overall respect for women only comes when she becomes a mother and reaches the age of 60 or 70. 

We also have this heavy burden of something called honor and though perhaps not as severe as it is in Turkey (where honor killings is a popular practice) there are cases of violence against women or punishment for simply lets say crossing paths with a young boy.

The other day, as I was strolling down the streets of Baku, I witnessed how a young man (somewhere around in his 20s) was slapping his female friend (probably his wife). There were three men who passed by, but no one said anything. I stopped, watched him for a while, scream and shout at her (I thought my presence there, would make him stop but I was wrong) when I finally asked him why is he beating her up? He was taken by a surprise. "She betrayed me" was his first response. "I work day and night, for her and yet she lies to me" he then added, to which crying young woman lifted her head and said it wasn't true. I tried explaining to him that this is not right, and that he should apologize and they should try talking. He listened carefully, but I don't know what happened next. I watched him walk away but what happened later, nobody knows. 

And so on the day like today, thinking of that young woman sitting on the ground, crying, I wish and hope for no violence against women, equality and respect, and support to women all around the world. We all are born equal in this world, and we should all fight (men including) violence against women and demand equal rights for women. Happy Women's Day!

This is what you get for a pat on a shoulder

Novruz Mammadov is the chief of the department of foreign affairs of the Presidential Administration. Stefan Fule is the Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy. Azerbaijan became a member of the Council of Europe in 1999. You are probably thinking what these three have in common. Not a lot, especially if you read one of the most recent statements made by Mr. Mammadov in response to Commissioner Fule's statement regarding the arrests of two opposition voices- Ilgar Mammadov and Tofig Yaqublu. Very openly and quite boldly, Mr. Mammadov threatened EU officials warning them to stay out of Azerbaijan's internal political business and instead deal with its own crisis. 

Frankly, I wasn't surprised to hear such words of deeply nourished wisdom, coming from someone like Mammadov. But the tone is astonishing. Don't mess with us or you will make the lives of those arrested in Azerbaijani much worse than it already is.

This boldness so to speak didn't come from nowhere. For years, Azerbaijan was treated gently or "hugged and held" at a safe distance for Europe's own interests. But its not just Europe. US too, taking into account Azerbaijan's strategic significance been "soft" when it came to hold Azerbaijan's corrupted leaders accountable unlike say in Ukraine or Belarus where pressure has been much higher and more visible. And so, the spoiled child of Europe and the US, Azerbaijan, grew into a spoiled adult, rarely listening anymore. Today, Azerbaijani officials fear no one. They arrest, beat, torture, because they are certain their brutality will go unnoticed (except from "very concerned" statements). Their message is simple- we don't have to listen to you!

And so, Mammadov's statements come as no surprise, after all he is not the first, and he certainly wont be the last. If you remember just few weeks ago Ali Hasanov, head of the Social and Political Department under the Presidential Administration advised Christopher Strasser to retire all together.

The importance of stability in the region, and in the country is costing Azerbaijanis a lot, which surely interests the West to a lesser extent. And while Azerbaijan receives a gentle pat on a shoulder with somewhat parenting look to be kinder, no lessons are learned- the spoiled child returns home to play with its toys, and break or throw away the ones it no longer has interest in. 

Awakening

On February 12th, during his address [AZ] at the Baku Business Center dedicated to the overview of the State Program on Social and Economic Development for 2009- 2013, President Aliyev, finally said few words of wisdom. In fact in the past decade since his "election", this was by far the most positive thing he has said, which of course doesn't and shouldn't overrule his own economic and political misgivings by no means. But let us look at some of his remarks during the address.

President Aliyev, called on certain government officials (not naming them, just saying that they know who they already are) to stop holding lavish birthday celebrations and weddings. This he said, is not the proper behavior of government official. He did not exclude the children of the officials either. In case of yet another act of "disobedience" President promised to deal with the issue personally, and to make sure, the fathers also get penalized if not fired and their "hooligan offspring" get arrested.

The video below is a short part of his speech touching upon some of the things mentioned above. Azerireport provided a transcript of President's speech here. 

However, just because President Aliyev pointed his fingers at certain government officials in his address calling out on their extravagant life styles (mind you, not their names), it doesn't mean that he has gone all democratic on us. It is no news how Azerbaijani ministers, governors and their families live in Azerbaijan and surely Mr. President was aware of this for a while now. His personal business interests are also there, and haven't disappeared. And so are the reasons triggering people in the regions to protest- living conditions, salaries, infrastructure, transparency, rights.  

The timing of this awakening is obvious- upcoming elections. The wording of his speech was cautiously elaborated- showing him as a caring, softhearted man, who prefers to celebrate his 50th birthday anniversary with refugees. May I remind you dear readers, that President Aliyev is no Jose Mujica, the thoughtful President of Uruguay who lives on the outskirts of Montevideo. Our fashion conscious first lady will never give up her right to Chanels and Burberrys nor will their children. And this goes for the families of the government officials, governors and the rest of the greedy cronies, filling up their pockets as much as they can and as quickly as they can, especially now, that they have been warned and could go any minute. Spending one birthday (or two or as many) with refugees, wont make the lives of those refugees better the next day. Nor baking meters long birthday cakes. Now, if you have offered a generous box of goods to every resident living in those regions, that would be a grand birthday present, wouldn't it?! Or why not install heating in few of those newly built schools in villages across the country? Nah, why bother?! Its so much easier to show off, who cares if the kids freeze at schools anyway, what is important is a big, long, cake instead.

So, given that it is election year in Azerbaijan, given that we have had all too many scandals (and who knows of the ones yet to come) leading up to the elections- Gulergate, Elshad Abdullayev, New York Times articles, resolutions passed (or not) by the Council of Europe and the European Parliament, riots, arrests, more criticism, and implications of some of the high end officials as Ramiz Mehdiyev in parliament seat sale- President Aliyev is trying to appear good. But paying attention to people's grievances or making it look like you do once in five years ain't the way. Concrete steps must be taken. Pointing fingers to your "own kind" wont work. The son of the minister who instigated the riots in Ismayilli must be arrested, his father, must be dismissed, the uncle governor should face the people of Ismayilli, apologize for his corrupted nature, and resign, at least as a sign of respect to the people this person been put in charge to govern. Guler Ahmadova, needs to be in jail, not under house arrest. Release political prisoners who have done nothing wrong. And stop treating your people as filth, let them too live and enjoy life. Let them speak freely, let them simply be!

For once, hold accountable all those filthy cronies of yours to their actions. Its not just one governor, one minister, and one son. There is an army of these people, all across the country, eating away our country and our future. 

 

If you let your people speak, there will be plenty of opportunities to point fingers at. Just look around you...

Shame on ... us!

The day when residents of Baku gathered at the Fountain Square to raise their concerns over killings of conscripts during their military service in Azerbaijan, the country's social media presence was alive as ever. In her analysis of #protestbaku Katy Pearce, pointed out to some interesting facts, but what caught my attention was her evaluation of what she referred to as "Group 4"- the pro- government youth groups, and one very popular young gentleman led by Rauf Mardiyev, who is notorious for his outlandish statements and tweets when it comes to anyone who is, well, lets just say not like him and his support network. The day when everyone was using #protestbaku, he initiated another hashtag #Khadijautan ("shame on Khadija"). Now the readers of this blog, already might be familiar with the name Khadija Ismayil. She is a well known and well respected journalists from Baku, woman of courage and strength. It would not be an exaggeration to add a woman of inspiration. 

#Khadijautan was aimed solely at Khadija, accusing her for accusing dead conscript's mother in bargaining. She explained herself in the following Facebook status update: 

I wrote "there is a need for mothers in this country who don't bargain over their son's dead bodies"[...].

As Rauf and others were busy throwing dirt at Khadija, none of them, bothered to say anything about the wicked military service of our country. Is it because they consider it impeccable? So who should carry this shame? Certainly not Khadija and thousands of Baku residents, were right there, on the streets, demanding an end to deaths of Azerbaijani soldiers, resignation and final resolution to this situation. This wasn't the first time that a conscript lost his live. 

So whose shame is it at the end? Surely its our shame to share if we are talking about shame in general. It is ours to share because it is our country, our soldiers and our government's ill treatment of its citizens, young boys who are sent to complete their military services but who are mistreated. It is our shame for not taking action earlier. Its easy to shame someone, but shouldn't we start from shaming ourselves? Doesn't everything begin from our individual selves? It is shame indeed. But it our shame to share and deal with so all those biased critiques please grow up and take some responsibility ...

January 12th Protest, Baku, and some rhymes

Last night, as I sat down to read up on the news and tweets from yesterday's protest in Baku, I thought of writing this. Seeing police officers carry peaceful protesters in their arms (literally); blood trickling down from a young man's face brutally treated by the police and those mothers and fathers, holding pictures of their dead sons. Mourning for their children who will never come back, demand justice  and yet our police, cared little of that.

Its not much- few sentences put together and a bit of rhyming.

 

They take, we sit in silence not saying much

They steal, we keep on sitting,  not caring much

They lie, we grow accustomed to things as such

And so we live, in silence, quiet, unattached

Pretending things are well as we detach

Ourselves, our families, and friends

From the reality and finally lost touch

With what is known as freedom and equal rights

But wait, am I asking already for too much?

No! Not much! Its time to act!

To get whats ours, and that's a fact!

No time to sit in silence and not say much

No time to care little or not as much

We can't afford to let ourselves detach

Together, as one voice we must react!

Political prisoners are "petty matters" for President Aliyev

Indeed they are. Or at least, according to the head of the social- political department of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan Ali Hasanov. You remember the "incident" with European Commission Vice- President Neelie Kroes during her visit to Baku for the Internet Governance Forum? No, not the one with her computer hacked (yes, that too happened in case you missed it!) but when she was not allowed to meet with the political prisoners. According to Ms. Kroes, President Aliyev, gave his approval. However, when Ms. Kroes showed up at the jail gates together with the head of EU delegation to Azerbaijan Roland Kobia, she was not allowed into the prison.

In an interview with local media outlet Turan, Ali Hasanov- i-know-it- all" not only refuted Ms. Kroes's original statement regarding original approval from the president but called the meeting with political prisoners a "petty matter". "Mr. President" Hasanov said, "did not engage in such petty matters" adding that meetings at jails are procedural based on the sentence of each convict.

Ehm... Thank you for reminding us Mr. Hasanov but I am pretty sure, when a President gives his approval (at least in Azerbaijani) things simply happen. But what we also learn from the same interview is apparent independence of state institutions as Ministry of Justice even though, we all know how ministries operate in Azerbaijan and under whose auspices. 

Needles to say that according to Mr. Hasanov, Azerbaijan has free Internet, free journalists, freedom of expression and etc.

Perhaps, a reality check is what Mr. Hasanov needs. I wonder if President agrees with Mr. Hasanov on calling political prisoners "petty matters" especially given how much importance he attaches to the country's image abroad. Though, given the President never himself attended the IGF 2012 and chose to send a letter while instead opting to attend next door BAKUTEL exhibition is proof that political prisoners as well as other pressing issues in Azerbaijan are perhaps "petty matters" for some...

IGF2012 through Storify