The NGOs also repeat their previous call to release Anar Mammadli and Bashir Suleymanli, and join calls for the release of Hasan Huseynli.
In the appeal it is noted that these political prisoners are practically deprived of their right to work in the field of human rights defence. “While registration of NGOs and grants to NGOs has become mandatory in Azerbaijan, authorities continue deny registration. Independent NGOs face continuous investigations and human rights defenders are being banned from travelling abroad, depending on their willingness to find agreements with the government, including agreements on their professional activities and their public statements.” The restrictions to laws affecting the right to freedom of association are also being criticised. “Such legislation de facto criminalises human rights defenders in Azerbaijan, not for their wrong doing, but rather for the fact that working for an NGO, which does not have the blessing of the government. United Nations experts stated ahead of the Presidential elections that they “observed since 2011 a worrying trend of legislation which has narrowed considerably the space in which civil society and defenders operate in Azerbaijan.” The order given to the Human Rights House Azerbaijan in March 2011 to cease all its activities is a consequence of such policies.”
The NGOs also call upon the Azerbaijani authorities to take appropriate measures to put an end to the attacks, detention and harassment of human rights defenders, journalists and activists, and to take steps in order to foster a safe environment for them, in line with Azerbaijan’s international obligations and commitments, especially as the chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
The statement was signed by the organizations within Barys Zvozskau Belarusian Human Rights House in exile (Vilnius): Belarusian Association of Journalists, Belarusian Helsinki Committee, City Public Association “Centar Supolnaść”, Human Rights Centre “Viasna.
Related articles
Bialiatski praises support of the international community and recalls the other political prisoners
UN Human Rights Council extends mandate of UN Special Rapporteur on Belarus
