FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “These elections took place in a restrictive political and legal environment, the consequence of which was a lack of political pluralism coupled with the subdued and low-key campaign, all of which undermined the electoral process...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms Lawyer Rufat Safarov stated that Sweden's Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mr. Tobias Lorentzson, met with the family of prisoner of conscience Famil Khalilov. Diplomats from the embassies of Latvia and Estonia in Azerbaijan also attended the meeting. First-degree disabled person Famil Khalilov was deported...


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FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “The reason for the recent detentions might be that there is a preparation for a new war, and in this case, the regime do not want any dissenting opinions to appear even on social networks, meaning they do not want any views contrary to regime propaganda...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms On August 28, the Baku Court of Appeals rejected the appeal against the Khatai District Court's decision to impose pre-trial detention on Anar Mammadli, head of the Election Monitoring and Democracy Studies Center (EMDS). Jailed activist Akif Gurbanov Nominated for the Václav...


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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   “Corruption remains a major challenge for firms operating in Azerbaijan and a small group of government-connected holding companies dominates the economy...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms Former diplomat Emin Ibrahimov was reportedly tortured with an electric shock device while in detention at the police station. Ibrahimov was detained on the evening of July 22. His lawyer, Agil Layij, informed "Azadlıq Radiosu" that an unknown person attacked Ibrahimov near the Khalklar Dostlugu metro station. Subsequently, he was detained by plainclothes officers...


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FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “The next parliamentary election is not an election, but a cheap play scripted to fit Ilham Aliyev's desires, with predetermined outcomes...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms The preliminary hearing of political prisoner Sahib Mammadzade, chairman of the AXCP Dashkasan Regional Council, took place at the Ganja Serious Crimes Court. During the hearing, lawyer Zabil Gahramanov filed a petition requesting that Mammadzade be released under house arrest. However, presiding judge Natig Aliyev denied this petition and ordered that Mammadzade remain in custody....


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