| Paris,
17 October 2003
The International Federation for Human Rights
(FIDH) denounces the extremely violent repression of an opposition
demonstration protesting the presidential elections, resulting
in the death of a 52 year old man.
According to reports of local and international
observers such as the OSCE, the presidential elections were
marred with numerous irregularities (ballot box stuffing, intimidation
of voters, hindering of observers' activities, inaccuracy of
voters lists, etc.).
According to information received from the
Human Rights Center of Azerbaijan, at the announcement of Ilham
Aliev's election on 15 October, several calls to demonstration
were made. For instance, Issa Gambar, an opposition candidate,
denounced the numerous irregularities and acts of intimidation
of voters that occurred on poll day, and called on his supporters
to demonstrate. Thousands of people marched on 16 October in
the centre of Baku. As they began to gather, they were surrounded
by police forces. Protesters drove them away and wounded several
police officers. They then marched towards Azadliq Square (“Freedom
Square”), where they were violently attacked by thousands
of riot and military forces, as well as police officers in civilian
clothes. Tear gas, rubber bullets, truncheons, and police dogs
were used to scatter protesters. Hamigada Zahidov, 52, was beaten
up to death. According to his brother, Mr. Zahidov had come
to demonstrate in order to “protect his rights”.
Numerous but unconfirmed reports of deaths are being investigated.
A 5 years old child who was run over by a military truck attacked
by angry demonstrators is in a coma.
Reports say that at least 25 local and foreign
journalists who wanted to cover the demonstration were arrested
and beaten up. Some of them had to be sent to hospital.
On 15 October, another opposition demonstration
was repressed. Supporters of Musavat and ANIP, two opposition
political parties, were violently assaulted by the police while
they were peacefully protesting the election in front of Musavat
headquarters. Many demonstrators were beaten up. Protesters
then took refuge in the building, but were trapped inside by
the police, which attacked them when they attempted to leave.
The FIDH recalls that presidential elections
were awaited by the international community and considered as
a test to assess the country's efforts towards the transition
to the rule of law. Far from establishing democracy and the
rule of law, it seems that Azerbaijan has chosen to take the
opposite path, and to not only persist obstinately in arbitrariness,
but also to contribute actively to the worsening of an already
deplorable situation through the use of unjustified violence.
These events constitute a serious backward step. Azerbaijan
openly violates its commitments towards the OSCE and the Council
of Europe, of which it has been a member since 25 January 2001,
as well as all its regional and international obligations. It
is worth mentioning that those unacceptable events take place
just two weeks after the fifth Co-operation Council between
the EU and Azerbaijan, during which the parties agreed that
respect for human rights and the rule of law were essential
for peace and stability in the region. Considering Azerbaijan's
lack of political will to implement its obligations and to respect
basic fundamental freedoms, the FIDH therefore urges the international
community, and in particular the European Union, to use their
political and diplomatic influence and to take the necessary
measures in order to pressure the authorities to conforming
to human rights basic standards.
The FIDH urges the new President of Azerbaijan
to take the necessary measures to ensure that violence against
opposition protesters and journalists cease immediately. The
FIDH also demands that the authorities ensure that the individuals
responsible for Mr. Zahidov's death and for the repression of
demonstrations are identified, immediately dismissed, subject
to an independent trial, and punished according to the national
laws in force. The culture of impunity must end now.
Press contact : +33 1 43 55 25 18 / 14 12
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