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AZERBAIJAN IS MAKING A MOCKERY OF ITS INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS - HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
NEWS.AM
February 12, 2013 | 17:38
The Azerbaijani government should immediately end a hostile campaign
of intimidation against writer Akram Aylisli, Human Rights Watch
said today.
Foreign governments and intergovernmental organizations of which
Azerbaijan is a member should speak out against this intimidation
campaign. They should urge the authorities to immediately investigate
those responsible for threats against Aylisli, and to respect freedom
of expression.
"The Azerbaijani authorities have an obligation to protect Akram
Aylisli," said Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at
Human Rights Watch. "Instead, they have led the effort to intimidate
him, putting him at risk with a campaign of vicious smears and
hostile rhetoric."
Head of Azerbaijani pro-government Hafiz Hajiyev publicly said
that he would pay AZN10,000 [US$12,700] to anyone who would cut off
Aylisli's ear.
"Azerbaijan's authorities should immediately investigate and hold
accountable anyone responsible for making threats against Aylisli,
and ensure his personal safety," Williamson said.
"The government of Azerbaijan is making a mockery of its international
obligations on freedom of expression," Williamson added. "This
is shocking, particularly after Azerbaijani officials flocked to
Strasbourg last month to tout the government's human rights record
at the Council of Europe."
NEWS.AM
February 12, 2013 | 17:38
The Azerbaijani government should immediately end a hostile campaign
of intimidation against writer Akram Aylisli, Human Rights Watch
said today.
Foreign governments and intergovernmental organizations of which
Azerbaijan is a member should speak out against this intimidation
campaign. They should urge the authorities to immediately investigate
those responsible for threats against Aylisli, and to respect freedom
of expression.
"The Azerbaijani authorities have an obligation to protect Akram
Aylisli," said Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at
Human Rights Watch. "Instead, they have led the effort to intimidate
him, putting him at risk with a campaign of vicious smears and
hostile rhetoric."
Head of Azerbaijani pro-government Hafiz Hajiyev publicly said
that he would pay AZN10,000 [US$12,700] to anyone who would cut off
Aylisli's ear.
"Azerbaijan's authorities should immediately investigate and hold
accountable anyone responsible for making threats against Aylisli,
and ensure his personal safety," Williamson said.
"The government of Azerbaijan is making a mockery of its international
obligations on freedom of expression," Williamson added. "This
is shocking, particularly after Azerbaijani officials flocked to
Strasbourg last month to tout the government's human rights record
at the Council of Europe."