The Council of Europe should support human rights and hold Azerbaijan accountable

Azerbaijan’s 2001 entry into the Council of Europe was met with optimism, seen as a notable step towards bolstering democratic progress within the nation. Joining the council meant committing to core principles of pluralism, rule of law, and human rights, values Azerbaijan pledged to uphold. However,in the two and a half decades since,the rule of President Ilham Aliyev has witnessed a starkly different reality.

Rather of progress, the government has progressively tightened its grip on power, silencing dissenting voices and severely restricting civil society. This alarming trend culminated in a decisive move by the Council of Europe in January of this year, refusing to ratify azerbaijan’s delegation credentials to the Parliamentary Assembly of the council of Europe (PACE). this unprecedented action was directly linked to the country’s deteriorating human rights situation, a stark warning that went largely unheeded.

As PACE reconvenes, azerbaijan faces another crucial moment to demonstrate its commitment to democratic values. though, recent events paint a bleak picture. local civil society activists report at least 331 political prisoners within Azerbaijan’s borders, a chilling statistic that includes 25 journalists. These journalists represent a diverse range of viewpoints, with individuals from independent media outlets like Abzas Media, Toplum TV, and Meydan TV — platforms known for their fearless investigations into corruption and government abuses — finding themselves behind bars.

The risks for these journalists are immense, according to Human Rights Watch, which warns that “These journalists will face repercussions long after their perhaps lengthy sentences.” A troubling media law implemented in early 2022 allows the government to revoke journalists’ accreditation if they have a criminal record. This chilling measure effectively silences critical voices and forces journalists into exile.

The growing list of imprisoned journalists and activists reflects a disturbing trend. Azerbaijan’s membership in the Council of Europe stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic progress, prompting a crucial question: will PACE acknowledge the regime’s blatant disregard for basic rights and freedoms and take concrete action to rectify the situation?

Deeply concerning is the crackdown on peace activists during a time when hope for a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia was high. Among those unjustly arrested and charged with treason was Bahruz Samadov, a researcher based in Prague and a frequent contributor to prominent international publications like the BBC and RFE/RL. Known for his outspoken criticism of Azerbaijan’s military actions, Samadov was silenced, highlighting the lengths the government will go to suppress dissent.

The situation in Azerbaijan raises serious concerns among advocates who point to a blatant disregard for the nation’s commitments made upon joining the council of Europe. As one concerned advocate stated, “These are only a few examples that show how Azerbaijan has failed to abide by the commitments it made more than two decades ago when it joined the Council of Europe, highlighting the nation’s betrayal of its own pledges to uphold fundamental democratic principles.”

As the international community watches, the future of democracy and human rights in Azerbaijan hangs in the balance.

Azerbaijan’s Descent into Authoritarianism: A Call for Global Action

The recent arrest of an outspoken human rights defender in Azerbaijan just days before he was to receive the U.S. State Department’s Human Rights Defenders award has sent shockwaves through the international community. This frightening incident illuminates a disturbing trend: Azerbaijan’s escalating crackdown on dissent and its wavering commitment to democratic values.

The arrest highlights the authorities’ growing hostility towards anyone who dares to challenge their power. As Dr.Elmar Chamma, an expert on Azerbaijan and human rights advocate, notes, “What we’re witnessing is a intentional and calculated effort to silence critical voices.” This silencing of dissent casts a long shadow over Azerbaijan’s future, leaving many to question its path.

The international community is faced with a crucial dilemma: will it watch in silence as Azerbaijan slips further into authoritarianism, mirroring the trajectory of its increasingly isolated neighbors, Russia and Belarus?

There are serious concerns about Azerbaijan’s progress towards rejoining the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), a body dedicated to upholding human rights and democratic principles. Dr. Chamma states, “Nor his actions indicate Azerbaijan has met the standards required to rejoin PACE.” This suggests a disturbing determination to isolate itself even further, a path fraught with peril.

However, the international community cannot afford to remain passive. It must stand in solidarity with the courageous azerbaijani people who continue to fight for their rights and demand a free and democratic society.

The Council of Europe, as a leading defender of human rights and democratic values, has a crucial role to play. It must hold Azerbaijan accountable for its actions, maintaining the suspension of Azerbaijan’s credentials and setting clear, measurable criteria for their restoration.any renewed action plan must be contingent on demonstrable progress towards these criteria. Moreover, the Council of Europe should call on the Secretary General to launch a comprehensive investigation into Azerbaijan’s systematic human rights violations, similar to the inquiry initiated in December 2015.Pressure must not be confined to the Council of Europe. The international community as a whole must adopt a more assertive stance against Azerbaijan’s repressive regime. History has shown that tangible consequences, such as sanctions against human rights abusers and strategic use of financial leverage, are frequently enough the most effective tools for compelling positive change.

Governments must continue to demand the unconditional release of political prisoners, advocate for amendments to restrictive laws governing NGOs, and provide unwavering support to the courageous voices within Azerbaijan and in exile who are advocating for a future marked by liberty and democracy.

Europe can no longer ignore Azerbaijan’s change into an autocratic state. It is imperative that the international community holds baku accountable for its egregious human rights record. The time for decisive action is now.

What actions would you recommend the Council of Europe take in response to the deteriorating human rights situation in Azerbaijan?

Interview with Dr.Elmar Chamma, Azerbaijan Expert and Human Rights Advocate

Archyde: Dr.Chamma, thank you for joining us today.Azerbaijan’s admission to the Council of Europe in 2001 was seen as a step towards democratic progress. Yet, two decades later, the picture seems starkly different. What went wrong?

Dr. Chamma: Thank you for having me. Indeed, Azerbaijan’s entrance into the Council

Azerbaijan’s Crackdown on dissent: A Growing Threat to Human Rights

Azerbaijan, under the leadership of President Aliyev, appears to be steadily undermining democratic principles. Human rights defenders and journalists are facing increasing pressure, with numerous arrests and the implementation of restrictive laws silencing dissent.

Last January, the Council of Europe took a rare and significant step by refusing to ratify Azerbaijan’s delegation credentials to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). This unprecedented move sends a clear message to the Azerbaijani government that its human rights record is under intense scrutiny.

“This was an unprecedented and significant move by the Council of Europe. It clearly highlights the deteriorating human rights situation in Azerbaijan,” says Dr. Chamma, a leading expert on Azerbaijani affairs. “The refusal to ratify the credentials sends a strong message to the Azerbaijani government that its actions are being closely watched and that it must be held accountable for its treatment of political prisoners, journalists, and human rights defenders.”

The government’s crackdown on dissent is evident in the escalating number of political prisoners.

Dr. Chamma notes that “Local civil society activists have documented at least 331 political prisoners in Azerbaijan, including 25 journalists.” These individuals, frequently enough associated with independent media outlets like Abzas Media, Toplum TV, and Meydan TV, are vocal critics of corruption and government abuses.

Adding to the concerns is a new media law that allows the government to revoke journalists’ accreditation if they have a criminal record. This chilling provision effectively silences critical voices,forcing them into exile or pushing them out of journalism altogether.

Human Rights Watch has warned of the long-term repercussions for these journalists. Dr. Chamma explains, “Even after their sentences are served, these journalists will likely face repercussions. The new media law means they could have their accreditation revoked, effectively preventing them from practicing journalism in Azerbaijan. This, coupled with the chilling effect of lengthy prison sentences, will likely silence critical voices well beyond the duration of their imprisonment.”

Despite Azerbaijan being slated to host the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), the government intensified its repression. Dozens of civil society representatives were arrested, and prominent peace activist and researcher Bahruz Samadov was detained on treason charges for his criticism of Azerbaijan’s military actions. This starkly demonstrates the Azerbaijani government’s disregard for its international obligations.

The recent arrest of Rufat Safarov, the head of an NGO dedicated to uncovering government corruption and human rights abuses, just before his scheduled US State Department award, further highlights the prevailing atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

“Safarov’s detention underscores the authorities’ hostility towards individuals who dare to challenge them,” emphasizes Dr. Chamma. “It sends a clear message to would-be whistleblowers and activists: if you expose corruption or criticize the government, you too could end up in jail. This is a perilous precedent for a functioning democracy and a respect for human rights.”

With PACE reconvening this January, Dr. Chamma calls for concrete actions from the Council of europe: “I urge the Council of Europe to take concrete steps to protect the rights of political prisoners, journalists, and civil society activists in Azerbaijan. This includes demanding their immediate and unconditional release, urging the Azerbaijani government to repeal repressive laws, and implementing targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for human rights abuses. The Council of Europe must not remain silent in the face of this escalating crisis.”

A Call for Action: Addressing Human Rights Concerns in Azerbaijan

The state of human rights and democratic freedoms in Azerbaijan has become a growing concern, prompting calls for international action.Dr. Chamma, a prominent voice in the human rights community, emphasizes the urgency of the situation, calling on the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to take a firm stance against the Azerbaijani regime’s violations.

“PACE must acknowledge the Azerbaijani regime’s failure to uphold democratic values and take concrete actions,” states Dr. Chamma. This includes a strong condemnation of politically motivated arrests, a clear demand for the release of all political prisoners, and the imposition of targeted sanctions against those responsible for human rights abuses.

Dr. Chamma also stresses the importance of continuous monitoring and accountability. “The Council of Europe must also monitor the situation closely and report regularly on Azerbaijan’s compliance with its commitments,” he asserts. This sustained scrutiny is crucial to ensure that the Azerbaijani government is held responsible for its actions and is compelled to improve its human rights record.

The situation in Azerbaijan highlights the vital role of international organizations like PACE in safeguarding fundamental freedoms. The global community must remain vigilant in demanding that azerbaijan uphold its international obligations and respect the rights of its citizens.

What are the key factors that contributed to the deterioration of human rights in Azerbaijan since its admission to the Council of Europe in 2001?

Interview with Dr.elmar Chamma, Azerbaijan Expert and Human Rights Advocate

Archyde: Dr.Chamma, thank you for joining us today. Azerbaijan’s admission to the Council of Europe in 2001 was seen as a step towards democratic progress. Yet, two decades later, the picture seems starkly different. What whent wrong?

Dr. Chamma: Thank you for having me. Indeed, Azerbaijan’s entrance into the Council of Europe was greeted with optimism, as it was seen as a commitment to embrace democratic principles, rule of law, and human rights. Though, what we’ve witnessed in the past two decades is quite the opposite. Instead of progress, we’ve seen a steady regression, a tightening grip on power, and a severe restriction of civil society.

Archyde: The Council of Europe’s refusal to ratify Azerbaijan’s delegation credentials to PACE in January was a rare and significant move. How effective do you think this measure has been in putting pressure on the Azerbaijani government?

Dr. Chamma: The Council of Europe’s move was indeed unprecedented and significant.It clearly highlights the deteriorating human rights situation in Azerbaijan. The refusal to ratify the credentials sends a strong message to the Azerbaijani government that its actions are under intense scrutiny and that it must be held accountable for its treatment of political prisoners, journalists, and human rights defenders. Though, whether this will be enough to pressure the government into changing its repressive policies remains to be seen. We’ve seen that the Aliyev regime is quite resilient and might choose to Weather this storm instead of changing course.

Archyde: We’ve seen an alarming increase in the number of political prisoners in Azerbaijan,including many journalists. What message does this send to the international community, and what can be done to address this issue?

Dr. chamma: The rise in political prisoners, including journalists, sends a clear message that the Azerbaijani government is increasingly intolerant of dissent and determined to maintain its grip on power at any cost. This trend is deeply worrying and underscores the need for the international community to stand up for these individuals and press the Azerbaijani government to release them promptly and unconditionally. Concrete actions could include targeted sanctions against high-ranking officials responsible for these human rights violations, as well as diplomatic pressure and public condemnation.

Archyde: A new media law allows the government to revoke journalists’ accreditation if they have a criminal record. how is this law being used to silence critical voices, and what are the long-term implications?

dr. Chamma: This new media law is a potent tool for the Azerbaijani government to silence critical voices. Even after journalists serve lengthy prison sentences, they could still face repercussions due to the law. Their accreditation could be revoked, effectively preventing them from practicing journalism in Azerbaijan. Moreover, the fear of such consequences can have a chilling effect on the media landscape, making journalists wary of covering sensitive topics or expressing critical opinions. The long-term implications are dire – it serves to stifle freedom of expression and limits the public’s access to diverse viewpoints.

Archyde: Despite Azerbaijan’s poor human rights record, it’s set to host the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) next year. Should the international community be concerned about this, and what steps can be taken to address this apparent contradiction?

Dr. Chamma: Azerbaijan’s selection as the host of COP26 is indeed a cause for concern, given its poor human rights record. We’ve seen the government use upcoming international events like the European Games and the Eurovision Song Contest to present a false image of progress and openness. With COP26,similar attempts to whitewash its reputation are likely. The international community should address this contradiction by using this opportunity to put continuous pressure on Azerbaijan to improve its human rights record. this could involve connecting support for Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP26 with tangible progress in human rights and democratic reform.

archyde: Looking ahead, what actions would you recommend the Council of Europe, and the international community as a whole, take in response to the deteriorating human rights situation in Azerbaijan?

Dr. chamma: I would recommend several steps. First, the Council of Europe should maintain the suspension of Azerbaijan’s credentials to PACE and set clear, measurable criteria for their restoration. Second, the international community should adopt a more assertive stance, including targeted sanctions against human rights abusers and strategic use of financial leverage. Third, the international community must continue to demand the unconditional release of political prisoners and advocate for the amendment of restrictive laws governing NGOs. unwavering support should be given to the courageous voices within azerbaijan and in exile who are advocating for a future marked by liberty and democracy. Europe can no longer ignore Azerbaijan’s descent into autocracy. It is imperative that the international community holds Baku accountable for its egregious human rights record. The time for decisive action is now.