The Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) submitted a briefing note to some states for the ongoing Council of Europe Committee of Ministers meeting on the execution of judgments. The note covers issues related to freedom of expression and highlights that authorities are not taking the necessary measures to execute judgements in legislation and practice.
Download the briefing note on the right
The arrests of journalists, human rights defenders and political and civil activists under spurious charges continue, although the number of government-initiated criminal libel cases against journalists seems to have decreased in the past two years and although the government says it is in the process of decriminalization of defamation – although no clear time-table for this legislation has yet been presented. They are charged with hooliganism, drugs possession, evading military service, inciting hatred, accepting bribery and tax evasion. This is seen as a new trend to silence critical voices. Currently, seven journalists are arrested and imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Four human rights defenders are also behind bars.
Many who express opinions critical of the authorities – whether through traditional media, online, or by taking to the streets in protest – are imprisoned, harassed or otherwise targeted. Journalists, bloggers, human rights defenders and political and civic activists are subject to pressure, threats, smear campaigns, harassment, arrests on politically motivated or fabricated charges, and violence committed in full impunity.
This demonstrates that authorities of the Republic of Azerbaijan are not willing to take all necessary action to fully implement their obligations under the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and to set in motion changes in legislation and practice to ensure full execution of judgements of the European Court on Human Rights in relation to freedom of expression, media freedom, and civil and political rights in general.
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