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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FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “Under the new Labour government, the exposure of expensive properties, offshore accounts, and money laundering schemes linked to the Azerbaijani elite is expected to intensify...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms The detention period of three more individuals arrested in connection with the "Toplum TV case" has been extended. On July 4, by the decision of the Khatai District Court, the detention period for Akif Gurbanov, the head of the "Institute for Democratic Initiatives" and spokesperson for the "III Republic Platform", Ruslan Izzetli, a founding...


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FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “Azerbaijan is a monarchy with an electoral system...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms Adil Baba, a member of the Popular Front Party (AXCP), tragically succumbed to the relentless police and administrative persecution, pressures, and threats, ultimately taking his own life. Like many others in the Party, Adil was constantly targeted. Recently, he received compensation from the government following a decision by the European Court of Human Rights regarding previous persecutions. Reports indicate that he and his family faced regular threats reminiscent...


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FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “There is no compelling rationale or justification for the government to reject the opposition's rally. Rejecting it would signify an admission of weakness, representing a moral and political failure of the government…” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms Summoning of journalists to the police has resumed, indicating a potential for new arrests. On April 17, journalist Mina Alyarli was called to appear at the Baku City Main Police Department at 4:00 PM. The head investigator of the Serious Crimes Investigation Department, Togrul Huseynov, contacted Alyarli...


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FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “The sham presidential election in Azerbaijan on February 7 lacked competition, barred interested parties from participating, and imposed restrictions on freedoms through arbitrary bans…” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms Controversial presidential elections of February 7 Ilham Aliyev secured his fifth consecutive term as Azerbaijan's President, gathering 92% of the vote in the Wednesday elections, as announced by Mazahir Panahov, the chief of the Central Election Commission. The snap election was called a year ahead of schedule, following Azerbaijan's...


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