As the Eurovision Song Contest hits our screens next week, Index calls on the expected 125 million viewers not to ignore the human rights abuses – against journalists, artists, activists – that the Azerbaijan government presides over
An Azerbaijani activist who was sentenced to two years in prison following demonstrations in Baku last year, has been released before completing his jail term. Elnur Majidli, an opposition activist, was charged with disturbing public order after his involvement in protests that took place on 3 April last year. Majidli made a formal request to be released, and in a hearing on 15 May was granted release. In an interview with an opposition newspaper, Majidli said his release was “unexpected”.
Index on Censorship writer and youth activist Turgut Gambar was among activists arrested yesterday (14 May) during a demonstration in Baku, Azerbaian. Police violently dispersed peaceful protests ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest which will take place later this month. Specifically targeting opposition party members, police beat demonstrators at rallies in Sabir Garden in front of the city authorities’ offices. Around 300 protesters gathered to call for the release of Azerbaijan’s political prisoners.
On 18 April, Index award-winner Idrak Abbasov was brutally attacked while he reported on the demolition of houses in his village. Rebecca Vincent recently visited him at his home outside Baku