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...


 QuickView | Read Full Article

FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “Those who exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, should not be subjected to pressure...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms On August 16, new charges were brought against journalist Nargiz Absalamova, who was involved in the investigation of the "AbzasMedia case." This information was shared by the journalist's lawyer, Shahla Humbatova. "Nargiz Absalamova has been charged under several articles of the Criminal Code, including 192.3.2 (illegal entrepreneurship, especially when committed for substantial profit),...


 QuickView | Read Full Article

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...


 QuickView | Read Full Article

FB Digest@VoxPOPULI   “You are only needed by this government to fight, die, and become disabled in the war or to work in their gardens, banks and supermarkets...” (Lack of) Human Rights and Freedoms Afgan Sadigov, the head of the "Azel" TV website, was not allowed to leave Georgia. On July 17, journalist Afgan Sadigov was prevented from traveling from Tbilisi to Ankara. He was detained at border-passport control at the airport and sent back. Sadigov himself reported this to the Turan agency. According to Sadigov, he was told that he could not travel to any country other than...


 QuickView | Read Full Article

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....


 QuickView | Read Full Article