Democracy News

Unrest In Azerbaijan Prompts Swift Government Suppression
March 16, 2011
By: Randi Zung | Printer Friendly

Inspired by the numerous uprisings in the Arab world, Azerbaijani opposition activists have taken to the streets to peacefully demonstrate against the government.  In the capital city of Baku, opposition activists gathered at Fountain Square to call for the resignation of President Ilham Aliyev.  AFP reported that Isa Gambar, the head of the opposition Musavat party, stated that the demonstrations were to call for “fundamental reforms.”  Since taking office in 2003, Aliyev has been criticized by the international community for suppressing opposition voices and restricting media freedom. 

The New York Times reported that the two day protest began on March 11, when approximately 60 protesters arrived at Fountain Square in response to an event announcement on Facebook.  By the end of the first day, 43 protesters had been arrested.  On the following day, police officers arrested 50 more protesters and cordoned off the area surrounding Fountain Square after hundreds of protesters arrived to demonstrate. 

AFP also reported that Natalia Nozadze, a regional director for one of Amnesty International’s local offices, called for the immediate release of all of the detained protesters.  In addition to Amnesty International, representatives from the European Union and the United States have also expressed concern over the arrests.

On March 14, Human Rights Watch reported that 30 of the arrested protesters were later convicted of disobeying police officers and taking part in unsanctioned rallies.  According to lawyers that represented the detainees, the court judge barred media and relatives from viewing the proceedings.  Although the law states that cases in civil court are open to the public, lawyers reported that the judge said the sessions were closed.  Several of the convicted protesters were given seven to eight day jail sentences.

In November 2010, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) praised the country’s parliamentary election for being conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, but noted that it did not demonstrate any significant democratic gains.  The OSCE further stated that the poll weakened opposition representation to the extent that “vibrant political discourse” would be nearly impossible.  Additionally, the United States government identified that the election failed to meet international standards.

For previous news on Azerbaijan, please see:
Azerbaijan Parliamentary Election Shows No Democratic Progress, OSCE Says