As European Movement in Azerbaijan we observed that the decision adopted arresting two young bloggers, namely Emin Milli and Adnan Hacizadeh, was politically not objective. This decision once again underlines the non existence of the freedom of speech, democratic values and fair judicial system in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan as member of the European Council signed the European Neighborhood Policy, the Eastern Partnership program and joined the European Convention on human rights. Therefore the Republic of Azerbaijan must execute the commitments taken. The freedom of speech is one of the main terms in legal state building and democracy. The arrest of these young bloggers threatens the future political activities of young people and public-political organisations participating in the process of civil society building and the right of freedom of speech.

We closely followed the court trial and observed serious violations and came to the result that there are unbiased claims against the young bloggers Emin and Adnan. Thus, all the demands rose by the lawyers of Emin and Adnan have been rejected by the court and the court staff didn’t offer any opportunity for proposed testifiers to be heard. Moreover there was no serious investigation into the different facts mentioned.

The court trial has been prevented from being delivered to the general public to be informed. All the trials were closed for the public.

The members of the parliament, representatives of international organizations and embassies expressed their sorrow and concern on the unbiased decision the court adopted.

Finally the European Movement Azerbaijan expresses its concern towards this process and considers taking wrong decisions to be very contrary to the European integration of policy principles which is the a priority and the main obstacle in building a civil, democratic and pluralist society.

The European Movement in Azerbaijan demands to reconsider the decision and asks to soon release the young bloggers Emin and Adnan from prison.
Contact
EM Azerbaijan
Address: Azerbaijan Baku.  Talibli  26/53
Phone: (+ 99412) 477 01 94
E mail: europeanmove.az@gmail.com