Now that we have a very ‘sophisticated’ police chief in Armenia, if you get detained for your professional or social, political activities, you may be framed in a very ‘sophisticated’ way, indeed. No more drugs into your pocket (too cheap!), the whole scenario - for example, a “traffic accident” - may be directed to set you up. In this case, Hayk Gevorgyan - well known journalist of best selling pro-opposition daily Haykakan Zhamanak.
Sensing an outrage by journalistic, online, civil society and human rights circles, police.am issued a video to ‘defend’ their stance, including an interview with the alleged victim of the accident. A video that is so pathetic - with that ‘killing’ voice-over so in style of Soviet-like propaganda - that even if there is truth in police report, no one would believe them.
This brief humorous YouTube video uploaded after the detention of Hayk Gevorgyan shows just how believable many would consider police actions and ‘justifications’. Video was prepared by... “VovTV” (short of the name of police chief - Vladimir Gasparyan - “Vova”) and uploaded by... “ZimbabweFish”.
Ironically, only a week or so ago, as per Press Freedom Index 2011/12 released by Reporters Without Borders, Armenia significantly improved its rankings and considered the best in the South Caucasus and broader region.
Even if for a moment, just for a moment, we believe there could be ground in charges forwarded towards journalist, why on earth he has to be arrested awaiting trial?
True, it seems counter-intuitive and not in authorities’ interest to detain such a well known figure taking into account the very expected local and international reaction that would follow, as well as upcoming opposition rallies and parliamentary elections. So was this done, as many speculate, out of personal “vendetta” by police chief? In particular, as a consequence of the following articles published in Haykakan Zhamanak daily:
Եւ Աստված ասաց` Վովա
ԵԹԵ ԱՊՊԱ, ԱՊԱ ՊԱՊԱ
Մի կպիր, որ չկպցնես
In a press conference today, editor of Haykakan Zhamanak, prominent opposition figure Nikol Pashinyan said: "If you think that freedom of Hayk Gevorgyan is only a matter for Haykakan Zhamanak then your freedom is a matter for Haykakan Zhamanak too" ["Եթե դուք գտնում եք որ Հայկ Գևորգյանի ազատությունը միայն ՀԺ-ի հարցն ա, ուրեմն ձեր ազատությունը նույնպես ՀԺ-ի հարցն ա"]
Showing posts with label arrests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arrests. Show all posts
Sunday, 5 February 2012
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Member of "Army in Reality" group Lala Aslikyan is detained
UPDATED: Lala Aslikyan has been released (see comments section for reports in English)
Breaking news (AM only):
ՀԱՂՈՐԴՈՒՄ
2011թ. հոկտեմբերի 27-ին ՀՀ կառավարության շենքի մոտ պետք է տեղի ունենար Հայաստանի զինված ուժերում մահացած զինծառայողների ծնողների և “Բանակն իրականում” նախաձեռնող խմբի հերթական ակցիան` զինծառայողների սպանությունները բացահայտելու և գործերի քննությունը պատշաճ կերպով
վարելու պահանջով: Ոստիկանները թույլ չեն տվել, որպեսզի ակցիան կայանա նախատեսված վայրում և բռնություն են կիրառել զինծառայողների ծնողների նկատմամբ` հրմշտելով նրանց և խոչընդոտելով խաղաղ հավաքի անցկացումը: Ակցիայի մասնակիցներն արձագանքել են` արտահայտելով իրենց վերաբերմունքը ոստիկանների բռնությունների նկատմամբ:
Ոստիկանները, բռնի ուժ կիրառելով ցուցարարներից մեկի` “Բանակն իրականում” քաղաքացիական նախաձեռնության անդամ Լալա Ասլիկյանի նկատմամբ, նրան տեղափոխել են ՀՀ ոստիկանության Երևան քաղաքի վարչության կենտրոնական բաժին:
ՀՀ ոստիկանության Երևան քաղաքի վարչության կենտրոնական բաժնի մոտ, որտեղ հավաքվել են մի խումբ քաղաքացիներ` պահանջելու ազատել Լալա Ասլիկյանին, կրկին տեղի է ունեցել միջադեպ. ՀՀ ոստիկանության Երևան քաղաքի վարչության կենտրոնական բաժնի փոխոստիկանապետ Արայիկ Պետրոսյանը փորձ է արել մեքենայով վրաերթ կատարել ցուցարարների ուղղությամբ և հարվածել ԱԺ պատգամավոր Զարուհի Փոստանջյանին:
Արդեն կես ժամից ավել է Լալա Ասլիկյանի փաստաբան Ռոբերտ Ռևազյանը կանգնած է ՀՀ ոստիկանության Երևան քաղաքի վարչության կենտրոնական բաժնի մուտքի մոտ և նրան թույլ չեն տալիս մուտք գործել ոստիկանության բաժին: Մոտ 20 ոստիկան կանգնած են ոստիկանության բաժնի մուտքի մոտ, իսկ 30-ը ավելի հեռու` խոչընդոտելով ցուցարարներին մոտենալ ոստիականության բաժնի շենքին:
Breaking news (AM only):
ՀԱՂՈՐԴՈՒՄ
2011թ. հոկտեմբերի 27-ին ՀՀ կառավարության շենքի մոտ պետք է տեղի ունենար Հայաստանի զինված ուժերում մահացած զինծառայողների ծնողների և “Բանակն իրականում” նախաձեռնող խմբի հերթական ակցիան` զինծառայողների սպանությունները բացահայտելու և գործերի քննությունը պատշաճ կերպով
վարելու պահանջով: Ոստիկանները թույլ չեն տվել, որպեսզի ակցիան կայանա նախատեսված վայրում և բռնություն են կիրառել զինծառայողների ծնողների նկատմամբ` հրմշտելով նրանց և խոչընդոտելով խաղաղ հավաքի անցկացումը: Ակցիայի մասնակիցներն արձագանքել են` արտահայտելով իրենց վերաբերմունքը ոստիկանների բռնությունների նկատմամբ:
Ոստիկանները, բռնի ուժ կիրառելով ցուցարարներից մեկի` “Բանակն իրականում” քաղաքացիական նախաձեռնության անդամ Լալա Ասլիկյանի նկատմամբ, նրան տեղափոխել են ՀՀ ոստիկանության Երևան քաղաքի վարչության կենտրոնական բաժին:
ՀՀ ոստիկանության Երևան քաղաքի վարչության կենտրոնական բաժնի մոտ, որտեղ հավաքվել են մի խումբ քաղաքացիներ` պահանջելու ազատել Լալա Ասլիկյանին, կրկին տեղի է ունեցել միջադեպ. ՀՀ ոստիկանության Երևան քաղաքի վարչության կենտրոնական բաժնի փոխոստիկանապետ Արայիկ Պետրոսյանը փորձ է արել մեքենայով վրաերթ կատարել ցուցարարների ուղղությամբ և հարվածել ԱԺ պատգամավոր Զարուհի Փոստանջյանին:
Արդեն կես ժամից ավել է Լալա Ասլիկյանի փաստաբան Ռոբերտ Ռևազյանը կանգնած է ՀՀ ոստիկանության Երևան քաղաքի վարչության կենտրոնական բաժնի մուտքի մոտ և նրան թույլ չեն տալիս մուտք գործել ոստիկանության բաժին: Մոտ 20 ոստիկան կանգնած են ոստիկանության բաժնի մուտքի մոտ, իսկ 30-ը ավելի հեռու` խոչընդոտելով ցուցարարներին մոտենալ ոստիականության բաժնի շենքին:
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Human Rights Watch: ‘Armenia's international partners, EU did not fully use their leverage to influence the human rights situation’
Below are selected extracts and headlines from Armenia chapter in Human Rights Watch annual world report reflecting events of 2010. I could sum up it as a year of lost opportunities for Armenian authorities and for re-establishing democracy and respect for human rights in Armenia.
1 March chapter still wide open
11 political prisoners
No thorough investigation into deaths
“Authorities have yet to ensure a meaningful investigation into, and full accountability for, excessive use of force by security forces during clashes with protestors in March 2008. Ten people were killed, including two security officials and eight protestors. Only four police officers have been convicted of excessive use of force, in December 2009. They were sentenced to three years, but were amnestied immediately, and are only barred from working in law enforcement.
More than 50 civilians were prosecuted in relation to the March 2008 violence, with some sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Although a June 2009 presidential pardon released many of them, local human rights groups maintain that 11 opposition supporters remain imprisoned on politically motivated charges.
On January 19, a court sentenced Nikol Pashinyan, opposition leader and editor-in-chief of the Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper, to seven years imprisonment for allegedly organizing "mass disorders" during the March 2008 events. An appeals court upheld the decision but halved his sentence. In November 2010 Pashinyan claimed two masked men attacked and beat him in Kosh prison; the government denied the allegation.
In April 2010, relatives of nine victims killed in the March 2008 violence, the eight protestors and one of the soldiers, appealed unsuccessfully to court for a thorough investigation into the deaths.”
Torture and Ill-Treatment in police custody, army
“Local human rights groups report continued ill-treatment in police custody. For example, on April 13, 2010, police detained 24-year-old Vahan Khalafyan and four others in Charentsavan, north of Yerevan, on suspicion of robbery. Khalafyan died of knife wounds some hours later. Police say he stabbed himself with a knife obtained in the station, and deny allegations of ill-treatment.
On April 23, investigators charged the head of Charentsavan's Criminal Intelligence Department and three others with abuse of authority. The trial is ongoing at this writing. Khalafyan's relatives and human rights groups want additional murder and torture charges. An internal police investigation led to the dismissal of Charentsavan's police chief and three officers. The Helsinki Citizens' Assembly (HCA) Vanadzor Office reported that police ill-treated two other men detained with Khalafyan. Police failed to conclusively investigate these incidents.
On August 27 a court ordered the investigation into the death in custody of Levon Gulyan be reopened. In May 2007, Gulyan was found dead following a police interrogation. Authorities say he jumped from the second-story of a police station trying to escape. Gulyan's relatives deny this, insisting he was tortured.
During a September 2010 visit the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention interviewed numerous detainees and prisoners who alleged beatings, other ill-treatment in police custody, and refusal by prosecutors and judges to admit evidence of the ill-treatment into court.
In September a YouTube video showed Army Major Sasun Galstyan beating and humiliating two conscripts. An investigation into abuse of power is ongoing.
In June the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) found Armenia had twice violated the prohibition against inhuman or degrading treatment in the case of Ashot Harutyunyan. Convicted of fraud and tax evasion in 2004, Harutyunyan died of a heart attack in prison in January 2009. The court determined authorities had denied him necessary medical care for his multiple chronic health problems, including heart disease, an ulcer, and diabetes. The court also found the government's public restraint of Harutyunyan in a metal cage during his appeal hearings amounted to degrading treatment.
On July 26, 14 human rights groups issued a statement citing a 20 percent rise in the national prison population, which is leading to overcrowding, health problems, and conflicts among detainees.”
No independent TV station
Restrictions in freedom of assembly
Human rights defenders
“Police closed the investigation into the May 2008 attack on Armenian Helsinki Association Chairman Mikael Danielyan, who was wounded when an assailant shot him with a pneumatic gun after an argument. The investigation was allegedly closed due to lack of criminal intent. A court rejected Danielyan's appeal against the decision.
Mariam Sukhudyan, primarily an environmental activist, publicized on national television in November 2008 the case of two girls who alleged sexual harassment at a Yerevan school. Police charged Sukhudyan with falsely reporting a crime. On March 10, 2010, the United States Embassy awarded Sukhudyan its first ever Woman of Courage Award. A day later, the criminal case against her was dropped.”
1 March chapter still wide open
11 political prisoners
No thorough investigation into deaths
“Authorities have yet to ensure a meaningful investigation into, and full accountability for, excessive use of force by security forces during clashes with protestors in March 2008. Ten people were killed, including two security officials and eight protestors. Only four police officers have been convicted of excessive use of force, in December 2009. They were sentenced to three years, but were amnestied immediately, and are only barred from working in law enforcement.
More than 50 civilians were prosecuted in relation to the March 2008 violence, with some sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Although a June 2009 presidential pardon released many of them, local human rights groups maintain that 11 opposition supporters remain imprisoned on politically motivated charges.
On January 19, a court sentenced Nikol Pashinyan, opposition leader and editor-in-chief of the Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper, to seven years imprisonment for allegedly organizing "mass disorders" during the March 2008 events. An appeals court upheld the decision but halved his sentence. In November 2010 Pashinyan claimed two masked men attacked and beat him in Kosh prison; the government denied the allegation.
In April 2010, relatives of nine victims killed in the March 2008 violence, the eight protestors and one of the soldiers, appealed unsuccessfully to court for a thorough investigation into the deaths.”
Torture and Ill-Treatment in police custody, army
“Local human rights groups report continued ill-treatment in police custody. For example, on April 13, 2010, police detained 24-year-old Vahan Khalafyan and four others in Charentsavan, north of Yerevan, on suspicion of robbery. Khalafyan died of knife wounds some hours later. Police say he stabbed himself with a knife obtained in the station, and deny allegations of ill-treatment.
On April 23, investigators charged the head of Charentsavan's Criminal Intelligence Department and three others with abuse of authority. The trial is ongoing at this writing. Khalafyan's relatives and human rights groups want additional murder and torture charges. An internal police investigation led to the dismissal of Charentsavan's police chief and three officers. The Helsinki Citizens' Assembly (HCA) Vanadzor Office reported that police ill-treated two other men detained with Khalafyan. Police failed to conclusively investigate these incidents.
On August 27 a court ordered the investigation into the death in custody of Levon Gulyan be reopened. In May 2007, Gulyan was found dead following a police interrogation. Authorities say he jumped from the second-story of a police station trying to escape. Gulyan's relatives deny this, insisting he was tortured.
During a September 2010 visit the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention interviewed numerous detainees and prisoners who alleged beatings, other ill-treatment in police custody, and refusal by prosecutors and judges to admit evidence of the ill-treatment into court.
In September a YouTube video showed Army Major Sasun Galstyan beating and humiliating two conscripts. An investigation into abuse of power is ongoing.
In June the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) found Armenia had twice violated the prohibition against inhuman or degrading treatment in the case of Ashot Harutyunyan. Convicted of fraud and tax evasion in 2004, Harutyunyan died of a heart attack in prison in January 2009. The court determined authorities had denied him necessary medical care for his multiple chronic health problems, including heart disease, an ulcer, and diabetes. The court also found the government's public restraint of Harutyunyan in a metal cage during his appeal hearings amounted to degrading treatment.
On July 26, 14 human rights groups issued a statement citing a 20 percent rise in the national prison population, which is leading to overcrowding, health problems, and conflicts among detainees.”
No independent TV station
Restrictions in freedom of assembly
Human rights defenders
“Police closed the investigation into the May 2008 attack on Armenian Helsinki Association Chairman Mikael Danielyan, who was wounded when an assailant shot him with a pneumatic gun after an argument. The investigation was allegedly closed due to lack of criminal intent. A court rejected Danielyan's appeal against the decision.
Mariam Sukhudyan, primarily an environmental activist, publicized on national television in November 2008 the case of two girls who alleged sexual harassment at a Yerevan school. Police charged Sukhudyan with falsely reporting a crime. On March 10, 2010, the United States Embassy awarded Sukhudyan its first ever Woman of Courage Award. A day later, the criminal case against her was dropped.”
Monday, 21 June 2010
Azerbaijan activist severly beaten by Baku police officer. Same guy was interrogated by authorities last year when voted for Armenia at Eurovision
Further to the info I posted earlier: "Fuck Oil": say it and get detained in Baku, Azerbaijan, it was emerged today that well known Azeri activist Rovshan Nasirli was severely beaten by a senior police officer.
Here is what RFE/RL reported back then:
Further reports indicate that at least one protester was beaten severely by a senior Baku police official. Rovshan Nasirli, a well-known activist, was allegedly roughed up by Lieutenant General Yashar Aliyev, who placed Nasirli under arrest. Witnesses report that police officers at the station where Naasirli was taken say that they “found narcotics” in his possession. It is unclear whether this is the same Rovshan Nasirli who was interrogated by Azerbaijani authorities last year when he voted for the Armenian entry in the 2009 Eurovision song contest, something that was reported world-wide.I got confirmation today that he is indeed the same guy who was interrogated last year by Azerbaijani authorities when voted for Armenia at Eurovision.
Here is what RFE/RL reported back then:
Rovshan Nasirli, a young Eurovision fan living in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, says he was summoned this week to the country's National Security Ministry -- to explain why he had voted for Armenia during this year's competition in May.*picture - via Foreign Policy Blogs
"They wanted an explanation for why I voted for Armenia. They said it was a matter of national security,” Nasirli said. “They were trying to put psychological pressure on me, saying things like, 'You have no sense of ethnic pride. How come you voted for Armenia?' They made me write out an explanation, and then they let me go."
A total of 43 Azeris voted for the Armenian duo Inga and Anush, and their song, "Jan-Jan."
Nasirli, like others, used his mobile phone to send a text message expressing his preference, little imagining his vote would eventually result in a summons from national security officials. (By contrast, 1,065 Armenians voted for the Azerbaijani team, apparently without consequence.)
Sunday, 20 June 2010
"Fuck Oil": say it and get detained in Baku, Azerbaijan
Two words that say it all. “Fuck Oil”. Say it, and as per reports from Baku, you are guaranteed at least 10 days of administrative arrest.
His name is Rashadat Akhundov (pictured), and he was among youth group that took part in the protest today in Baku. There were about 300-350 protesters there, representatives of various opposition groups. Rashadat himself used to be a member of OL! Youth Movement, but left. He is no longer part of any youth/political organisation. Young activists decided to hold posters that read: "ILHAM - RESIGN" and "FUCK OIL". (you may see pictures of posters in making here) They were demanding "freedom of assembly and transparent parliamentary elections this fall".
80 people in total were detained: 61 of them were kept in Sabail District Police station; the rest were driven to Gobustan. [Most of the detained were later released. However, four people got 10 days, one person - 15 days of imprisonment. Six people were fined 20 AZN.]
During the protest youth activists managed to run away from the police, however Rashadat was among people waiting outside the Sabail District Police Station for news on the 61 detainees kept there. One of the policemen recognised Rashadat and detained him too. He then got sentenced to 10 days in prison.
*many thanks to my Azeri friends for the info provided.
**picture - via @ljmaximus, via azadliq.org
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
Shall we re-shut instead of ‘re-open’ the Liberty sq in Yerevan?
That Liberty square has been re-opened is good news, indeed. And I am not referring here to politics. However, apparently, the authorities in Armenia declare it a politics-free zone. Police stop and detain ‘operation’ is in full action resulting in scuffles and arrests. The aim is to halt any sign of protest or opposition activism in Liberty square. Using force is allowed.
It’s during reading such news I wonder that perhaps it was better to have Liberty sq shut having in place ‘alternative arrangements’ for opposition or any citizen, in fact, to exercise their civil rights. Yes, there may be provocations. Yes, some or many ordinary citizens may get annoyed, or as British would say, pissed off by shouts or rallies or whatever, instead preferring the square for cafes and entertainment only.
But there is no such thing as convenient democracy. I do not believe in ‘human rights light’. It’s either there or not.
It’s during reading such news I wonder that perhaps it was better to have Liberty sq shut having in place ‘alternative arrangements’ for opposition or any citizen, in fact, to exercise their civil rights. Yes, there may be provocations. Yes, some or many ordinary citizens may get annoyed, or as British would say, pissed off by shouts or rallies or whatever, instead preferring the square for cafes and entertainment only.
But there is no such thing as convenient democracy. I do not believe in ‘human rights light’. It’s either there or not.
Monday, 24 May 2010
Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival demands release of renown Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi
*Yerevan, 2007 (pictures - via Golden Apricot International Film Festival Facebook page)
Yerevan's most famous GOLDEN APRICOT International Film Festival has signed the petition demanding Jafar Panahi's freedom more than a month ago, on 12 April 2010. This became known couple of days ago, when festival's press office released the statement via their official Facebook group in response to queries re festival's stance towards the imprisonment of renown Iranian director. In addition, festival's press office informs that in 2007, "when Panahi was one of the honorary guests of GOLDEN APRICOT, festival administration had numerous difficulties to deal with the Iranian embassy in Armenia and finally had to break the relationships with them."
Below is a statement in full.
To Whom It May Concern,
The entire staff of GOLDEN APRICOT IFF, being convinced that imprisonment of Jafar Panahi, the humanitarian interpreter of Iranian cinema, is unfair; joins this initiative (the information of which reached us through Ludmila Cvikova - IFFR programmer, film-critic Shahla Nahid, and other Golden Apricot-friendly circles), and signs this petition demanding his and his colleagues release from the prison.
Armenian spectators had a chance to explore the problems of women in the present Iranian reality in 2007, when Jafar Panahi's film "Offside" was shown within the framework of the 4th GOLDEN APRICOT IFF. Jafar Panahi deserves the right to be heard and must be given the freedom to create.
GOLDEN APRICOT International Film Festival
www.gaiff.am
***
Related:
Jafar Panahi's message from prison
Juliette Binoche sobs at news of hunger strike
Cannes contender Abbas Kiarostami demands release of Iranian film-maker
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
Quote of The Day (in Armenian)
Highly recommend reading today's article by detained for his political views opposition editor Nikol Pashinyan. His trial is currently underway in Yerevan and Nikol is facing up to 8 years imprisonment. Below is what I consider truly a Quote of The Day (in Armenian):
"[...] Եթե իսկական Եղիշե Չարենցից վերցնենք մտքի ազատությունը, ըմբոստությունը, արդարամտության զգացողությունը, հանուն գաղափարի զոհվելու պատրաստակամությունը, ամենադառը ճշմարտությունն ասելու ուժն ու խիզախությունը, դրան ավելացնենք մի քիչ վախկոտություն, հարմարվողականություն, ամպուտացիա անենք այդ Չարենցի ողնաշարը, կստանանք մի... այնպիսի Լեւոն Անանյան, որին նույնիսկ օրիգինալը կնախանձի: Սրանում է մեր իրականության ողբերգական առանձնահատկությունը. բանաստեղծները ուզում են Չարենց լինել, բայց շողոքորթել իշխանություններին, հոգեւորականները ուզում են Հիսուս լինել բայց չխաչվել, գիտնականներն ուզում են Ջորդանո Բրունո լինել, բայց չայրվել խարույկի վրա, նկարիչներն ուզում են Վան Գոգ լինել, բայց գլուխ չունեն ածխահատների գործադուլային շարժման հետ: [...]"
Read the article in full here: ԼԻՆԵԼ, ԲԱՅՑ ՉԼԻՆԵԼ. ԱՅՍ Է ԽՆԴԻՐԸ
"[...] Եթե իսկական Եղիշե Չարենցից վերցնենք մտքի ազատությունը, ըմբոստությունը, արդարամտության զգացողությունը, հանուն գաղափարի զոհվելու պատրաստակամությունը, ամենադառը ճշմարտությունն ասելու ուժն ու խիզախությունը, դրան ավելացնենք մի քիչ վախկոտություն, հարմարվողականություն, ամպուտացիա անենք այդ Չարենցի ողնաշարը, կստանանք մի... այնպիսի Լեւոն Անանյան, որին նույնիսկ օրիգինալը կնախանձի: Սրանում է մեր իրականության ողբերգական առանձնահատկությունը. բանաստեղծները ուզում են Չարենց լինել, բայց շողոքորթել իշխանություններին, հոգեւորականները ուզում են Հիսուս լինել բայց չխաչվել, գիտնականներն ուզում են Ջորդանո Բրունո լինել, բայց չայրվել խարույկի վրա, նկարիչներն ուզում են Վան Գոգ լինել, բայց գլուխ չունեն ածխահատների գործադուլային շարժման հետ: [...]"
Read the article in full here: ԼԻՆԵԼ, ԲԱՅՑ ՉԼԻՆԵԼ. ԱՅՍ Է ԽՆԴԻՐԸ
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Armenia: Free ALL political prisoners
10 December - Human Rights Day
Armenian opposition will march on 10 December (authorised by Yerevan city hall) to demand release of all political prisoners.
Monday, 7 December 2009
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Bloggers and youth activists Emin and Adnan jailed in Azerbaijan
Azeri bloggers and youth activists Emin and Adnan received jail sentences of 2.5 and 2 years, respectively. (here and here) Live blogging from the court hearings and the reactions to that spread via Twitter under the #EminAdnan hashtag.
Sadly, this yet another sign of a total deterioration of human rights in Azerbaijan will probably generate an overall muted reaction by the international community. Oil rules…
I am not convinced by the World Blogging Forum’s statement either. Not strong enough.
*picture - via RFE/RL
Saturday, 15 August 2009
Cartoon: Tigran Arakelyan and Armenian police. Who knew? :)
Click on this picture to be able to properly read the imaginary but probable 'conversation' between now detained Armenian opposition youth activist Tigran Arakelyan and representatives of Armenian police, if we believe police account of the events, that is.
*source (via @himaarmenia)
*source (via @himaarmenia)
Friday, 14 August 2009
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Free, at last!
Editor of pro-opposition Zhamanak daily in Armenia Arman Babajanyan set free today, spending more than three years in prison and now facing serious health problems. Wish you recover soon, Arman!
Babajanian was greeted by dozens of relatives and opposition activists as he walked out of a prison hospital in Yerevan. He visibly had trouble moving his right leg and had to be assisted by Armen Martirosian, an opposition parliamentarian.
“My condition is unstable right now,” Babajanian told journalists. “Pray, pray for my health. This is all I’m asking you.”
Babajanian’s uncle, Levon Vartanian, said the young editor will be flown abroad for treatment. “Our doctors have fooled as so much we don’t trust them anymore,” he told RFE/RL. Vartanian claimed that Babajanian’s brain tumor was first detected a year ago and that local doctors denied its seriousness until recently. “If they let him go last year there would not be so many complications,” he said.
Babajanian was taken to the prison hospital last month after a serious deterioration of his condition. The hospital administration formally recommended his early release on Friday.
Babajanian was arrested in June 2006 and subsequently sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison for forging documents to evade compulsory military service. The authorities have repeatedly refused to free him on parole despite appeals from domestic and international human rights groups.
*picture - via RFE/RL; video - A1+
Sunday, 26 July 2009
Saturday, 18 July 2009
South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders condemns detention, beatings and denial of timely medical assistance to Azerbaijan youth activists
By the South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders
July 17, 2009, Bazaleti, Georgia
Arbitrary Detention, Beating and Denial of Timely Medical Assistance to Azerbaijani Youth Activists
The South Caucasus Network for Human Rights Defenders condemns arbitrary detention, beatings and denial of timely medical assistance to Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli (Abdullayev).
Adnan Hajizade is the coordinator of OL! Youth Movement and well-known video-blogger, Emin Milli is the chairman of Alumni Network (AN) Youth Organisation and leader of ANTV Online TV, in Baku on July 8, 2009.
According to the information received by the Network, at around 8 pm on July 8, 2009, two athletic type young men severely assaulted Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli, while they were sitting in a Baku restaurant, asking them “Why do you criticize the government?”
When they went to the police station to complain about the assaults, the police of the Sabail District denied medical assistance to Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli and detained them under charges of hooliganism (Article 221.2.1 of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code). Both were denied access to the lawyers of their own choice until the following day. On July 10, 2009 the Sabail District Court ordered the activists to be detained for two months in pre-trial detention.
The detention of Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli seems to be exclusively motivated by a wish to sanction them because of their recent activities.
The South Caucasus Network for Human Rights Defenders wants to remind Azerbaijani authorities that no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention as guaranteed by the Azerbaijani Constitution the European Convention on Human Rights.
The 30 NGOs within the South Caucasus Network for Human Rights Defenders [Unzipped: list of NGOs is available here] urge the Azerbaijani authorities to
Immediately release Adnan Hajizade, and Emin Milli in the absence of valid legal charges that are consistent with international law and standards, or, if such charges exist, bring them before an impartial, independent, competent and fair tribunal and guarantee their procedural rights at all times;
Carry out a prompt, effective, thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the events, the result of which must be made public, in order to bring those responsible before a competent, impartial tribunal
Guarantee physical and psychological integrity of Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli (Abdullayev) as required by the international human rights obligations which are binding on Azerbaijan.
Ensure that both are examined by independent doctors and receive adequate medical care.
Letter sent to:
Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 19 Istiqlaliyyat St., Baku AZ1066, Azerbaijan, Fax: +994 12 492 06 25, +994 412 92 28 68, E-mail: office@apparat.gov.az; president@gov.az; root@lider.baku.az
Prosecutor´s Office of the Azerbaijani Republic, 7 Nigar Rafibeyli St., Baku, Azerbaijan, Fax: +994 12 492 06 82, +994 (12) 492 26 63, E-mail: prosec@azeri.com
Minister of Internal Affairs of the Azerbaijani Republic, Lt.-Gen. Ramil Usubov, Baku, Azerbaijan, Fax: + 994 (12) 492 45 90
Ministry of National Security Center of Public Relations, Baku, Parliament Avenue, 2, Tel: 493-76-22 Fax: +994 493-76-22, E-mail: cpr@mns.gov.az
Minister of Justice in Azerbaijan, Prospekt Stroitelej, 1 Baku Azerbaijan, E-mail: contact@justice.gov.az, Tel: + 994 (12) 430 01 16, Fax: + 994 (12) 430 09 81
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Elmar Mammedyarov, 4, S. Qurbanov Str., Baku AZ 1009, Azerbaijan Tel: +994 (12) 596 90 00, Fax: +994 (12) 498 84 80, E-mail: secretariat@mfa.gov.az ; katiblik@mfa.gov.az
Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan, Rue de Lausanne 67, CH-1202, Genève, Suisse, e-mail: az.mission.unog@iprolink.ch, fax: +4122 901 18 44
Azerbaijani Embassy in Brussels, Avenue Moliere, 464, 1050 Brussels, Belgium, Tel: +32 2 345 26 60, Fax: +32 2 345 91 85
Ombudsman of Azerbaijan Ms Elmira Suleimanova
Copies sent to:
Delegation of the European Commission to Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan
Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Council of Europe
UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders
The OSCE/ODIHR, Human Rights Focal Point, Warsaw
Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
Norwegian Embassy in Azerbaijan
Swedish Embassy in Georgia
French Embassy in Azerbaijan
US Embassy in Azerbaijan
July 17, 2009, Bazaleti, Georgia
Arbitrary Detention, Beating and Denial of Timely Medical Assistance to Azerbaijani Youth Activists
The South Caucasus Network for Human Rights Defenders condemns arbitrary detention, beatings and denial of timely medical assistance to Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli (Abdullayev).
Adnan Hajizade is the coordinator of OL! Youth Movement and well-known video-blogger, Emin Milli is the chairman of Alumni Network (AN) Youth Organisation and leader of ANTV Online TV, in Baku on July 8, 2009.
According to the information received by the Network, at around 8 pm on July 8, 2009, two athletic type young men severely assaulted Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli, while they were sitting in a Baku restaurant, asking them “Why do you criticize the government?”
When they went to the police station to complain about the assaults, the police of the Sabail District denied medical assistance to Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli and detained them under charges of hooliganism (Article 221.2.1 of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code). Both were denied access to the lawyers of their own choice until the following day. On July 10, 2009 the Sabail District Court ordered the activists to be detained for two months in pre-trial detention.
The detention of Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli seems to be exclusively motivated by a wish to sanction them because of their recent activities.
The South Caucasus Network for Human Rights Defenders wants to remind Azerbaijani authorities that no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention as guaranteed by the Azerbaijani Constitution the European Convention on Human Rights.
The 30 NGOs within the South Caucasus Network for Human Rights Defenders [Unzipped: list of NGOs is available here] urge the Azerbaijani authorities to
Immediately release Adnan Hajizade, and Emin Milli in the absence of valid legal charges that are consistent with international law and standards, or, if such charges exist, bring them before an impartial, independent, competent and fair tribunal and guarantee their procedural rights at all times;
Carry out a prompt, effective, thorough, independent and impartial investigation into the events, the result of which must be made public, in order to bring those responsible before a competent, impartial tribunal
Guarantee physical and psychological integrity of Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli (Abdullayev) as required by the international human rights obligations which are binding on Azerbaijan.
Ensure that both are examined by independent doctors and receive adequate medical care.
Letter sent to:
Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 19 Istiqlaliyyat St., Baku AZ1066, Azerbaijan, Fax: +994 12 492 06 25, +994 412 92 28 68, E-mail: office@apparat.gov.az; president@gov.az; root@lider.baku.az
Prosecutor´s Office of the Azerbaijani Republic, 7 Nigar Rafibeyli St., Baku, Azerbaijan, Fax: +994 12 492 06 82, +994 (12) 492 26 63, E-mail: prosec@azeri.com
Minister of Internal Affairs of the Azerbaijani Republic, Lt.-Gen. Ramil Usubov, Baku, Azerbaijan, Fax: + 994 (12) 492 45 90
Ministry of National Security Center of Public Relations, Baku, Parliament Avenue, 2, Tel: 493-76-22 Fax: +994 493-76-22, E-mail: cpr@mns.gov.az
Minister of Justice in Azerbaijan, Prospekt Stroitelej, 1 Baku Azerbaijan, E-mail: contact@justice.gov.az, Tel: + 994 (12) 430 01 16, Fax: + 994 (12) 430 09 81
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Elmar Mammedyarov, 4, S. Qurbanov Str., Baku AZ 1009, Azerbaijan Tel: +994 (12) 596 90 00, Fax: +994 (12) 498 84 80, E-mail: secretariat@mfa.gov.az ; katiblik@mfa.gov.az
Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan, Rue de Lausanne 67, CH-1202, Genève, Suisse, e-mail: az.mission.unog@iprolink.ch, fax: +4122 901 18 44
Azerbaijani Embassy in Brussels, Avenue Moliere, 464, 1050 Brussels, Belgium, Tel: +32 2 345 26 60, Fax: +32 2 345 91 85
Ombudsman of Azerbaijan Ms Elmira Suleimanova
Copies sent to:
Delegation of the European Commission to Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan
Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Council of Europe
UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders
The OSCE/ODIHR, Human Rights Focal Point, Warsaw
Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
Norwegian Embassy in Azerbaijan
Swedish Embassy in Georgia
French Embassy in Azerbaijan
US Embassy in Azerbaijan
Sunday, 12 July 2009
Armenia, Azerbaijan: youth activists, bloggers under attack. Where are the Voices?
No one, absolutely no one can convince me that this guy - Tigran Arakelyan from pro-opposition HIMA youth movement, is able to chase and attack policemen. (my earlier post on the topic - here) Well, unless you present me with the video evidence, which should probably be made by a master in sci-fi cinema. You just have to look at this picture (via Nazarian) to understand what I am talking about.Neither of South Caucasus countries are democratic. Azerbaijan is the most authoritarian and the least democratic among the three countries. However, when time comes to human rights abuses, differences in approaches become non-distinguishable, similarities in tactics and methods employed by the authorities become striking, as the case of now detained Azeri youth activists and bloggers Emin and Adnan proves.
Armenian authorities had a perfect opportunity, via the recently declared amnesty, to ease the internal tensions and put the country back on track into a civilised dialogue with the opposition and reforms to bring Armenia closer to Europe. They failed to do so spectacularly, as instead of applying the amnesty to all political prisoners, they did so selectively, and we still have number of them in prison (you may add now Tigran Arakelyan to the list too).
So where are the Voices, I wonder? Where are the voices inside the country who should protest, in this case, the latest incident of attacks on youth activists and detention of not the attackers but the one who got attacked? It’s these separate incidents which repeated eventually lead to 1 March-type events. Where are those so called independent youth groups who should protest the case? This should have nothing to do with the political views one hold. This is simply a matter of infringement of very basic human rights, which no one is spared of. Where is the so called ‘civil society’? Where is their voice? Are they waiting for a special grant to do so?
Luckily, there are blogs, there is Twitter, and there is Facebook, where free-minded individuals from all South Caucasus countries and Diaspora voice their protest, spread the news, and get organised.
Free Tigran Arakelyan and other political prisoners
Free Adnan and Emin
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