This book explores legislation defining the functioning of political parties in Azerbaijan. It includes discussion of various issues ranging from the registration of political parties to the formation of factions within the parliament. The author analyses how an increasingly restrictive legal environment and government policies have influenced the development of a multi-party system in Azerbaijan. She highlights the impact of legislation and electoral practices, the status of factions and groups in the parliament, the political economy of energy rich states and degree of fundamental freedoms upon...


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FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “Azerbaijan positioning itself as peacemaker but is accused of ethnic cleansing and imprisoning opponents...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms Former MP and businessman Nazim Baydamirli is facing a 9-year prison sentence. On September 16, the prosecutor made this request at the Baku Court of Grave Crimes, claiming that the former MP's demand for money through blackmail had been proven in court. However, Baydamirli disagrees. Before the prosecutor's statement—when the judge suggested concluding the investigation—he objected, stating that there were...


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FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe certainly cannot be blackmailed. The conditions are crystal clear. Azerbaijan must comply with all the rules of the Parliamentary Assembly without any ifs and buts...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms On September 12, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes reviewed and denied the petition to release activist Famil Khalilov, a first-degree disabled person, under house arrest. He has been on a hunger strike for 30 days in protest against his imprisonment. Khalilov, who was arrested on May 2, has been charged...


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FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “Samadov's case is part of a broader trend of increasing arrests of journalists, human rights activists, and civil society representatives in Azerbaijan since last year...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms In the Sabail District Court, a four-month pre-trial detention was ordered for political analyst Bahruz Samadov, who was detained last week. He is being charged under Article 274 of the Criminal Code (treason). This charge carries a potential sentence of 12 to 20 years or life imprisonment. Lawyer Zibeyde Sadigova has stated that they will appeal the decision....


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FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “The international community should increase pressure on the Azerbaijani government to release 23 journalists and media representatives who are unjustly imprisoned in Azerbaijan...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms The Azerbaijani government has intensified its repression ahead of the COP29 conference to be held in Baku. A young political analyst and PhD candidate at Charles University in Prague, Behruz Samadov, has reportedly been detained. In his articles, Samadov has repeatedly criticized the Azerbaijani government for its authoritarianism and its stance...


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