AI condemns dispersal of peaceful protestors in Azerbaijan

The human rights organization “Amnesty International” (AI) condemned the authorities of Azerbaijan for dispersing peaceful protests, in particular, a protest action on December 1. The human rights defenders called for respect for freedom of assembly.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on December 1, the police disrupted a protest action demanding the release of oppositionist Salekh Rustamov. Forty people were detained. The Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) complained that some of the detainees were beaten by law enforcers. Five persons were arrested for terms ranging from 15 to 30 days. Over 30 activists were detained at the protest action on December 11 and 15.

The human rights defenders recalled the events of December 1, when the police were wringing hands and forcing protesters into their cars. Several activists claimed to have been tortured or other forms of ill-treatment during their arrest.

In their declaration, the human rights defenders refer to the claims voiced by activist Pasha Dadashzade who complained that he had been severely beaten and his arm had been broken during his detention at a protest action. Besides, oppositionist Tofig Yagublu was tortured and hospitalized.

The AI expresses is concerned that “the Azerbaijan’s authorities call spontaneous peaceful assemblies” illegal and “detain their participants.” That contradicts the Azerbaijan’s international obligations, the AI’s declaration says.

Tezekhan Miralamli, a member of the “Line of Defence” NGO, points out that even after harsh international criticism of the events of December 1, the police again severely suppressed a peaceful rally on December 15.