Short update on Azerbaijan (written for a separate publication, reposting here)

On September 26, 2016 Azerbaijan confirmed the adoption of 29 constitutional amendments, strengthening the power vested in the hands of the ruling regime. Similar to previous elections, September Referendum took place not without election fraud and violations. Videos, interviews, and independent reporting documenting these violations was swept under the carpet as per business as usual. As a result next presidential elections in Azerbaijan will take place in 2020 rather than in 2018 as the presidential term limit were extended from 5 to 7 years. Among other changes are right granted to the incumbent president to call for early elections; dissolve the parliament; and appoint a first vice president who would replace the current president as his constitutional successor. In addition, minimum age for running in parliamentary and presidential elections was reduced to 18 years of age and so on. In a statement issued by the Venice Commission "proposed amendments would severely upset the balance of power by giving unprecedented powers to the president". 

Ali Hasanov, presidential aide described the changes as necessary in order for the government to work more efficiently. For those familiar with this small nation on the shores of the Caspian and rich in energy resources, official Baku already had all the powers it needed to run a country already constrained by corruption, appalling press freedom and human rights record. On January 24, court sentenced independent journalist Rovshan Mammadov to 30 days of administrative detention. Earlier, court sentenced member of youth organization N!DA to a similar charge while fining popular citizen journalist and blogger Mehman Huseynov for allegedly resisting police. Court in Baku in addition sentenced to other members of N!DA movement to ten years in jail on bogus drug possession charges while many critics of the regime saw this sentence as a grave punishment for the two men drawing graffiti on the statue of the late presindent on Flower day, which is know to celebrate late President, Heydar Aliyev's birthday. In addition to the case of Rovshan Mammadov and Mehman Huseynov, at least five other journalists have been arrested or detained by the authorities in recent months including Afgan Sadygov; Zamin Haji, Ikram Rahimov, Fikret Faramazoglu, and Teymur Kerimov according to monitoring by press freedom watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists. 

In the meantime the country witnessed second devaluation and price hikes, which according to the country's independent economists are direct result of mismanagement of the country's economy including wrong economic policies of diversification, presence of monopolies, and rampant corruption. Just weeks ahead of the September Referendum, Bloomberg reported about a halt in foreign currency sales as local currency manat continued to depreciate while demand by businesses and households soared. 

Overall, given the circumstances, there is little space for positive projection for 2017 as restrained conditions remain across the country and regime in Baku continues to push for its personal gains over country wide and much needed and long time overdue reforms.

What you need to know about proposal for yet another referendum in Azerbaijan?

This would be a third time our country will have a constitutional referendum.

The first one was introduced by Heydar Aliyev. A year before his death, on August 24, 2002 Aliyev introduced a number of critical constitutional amendments giving the Prime Minister the power to act as an interim President- the power which previously rested with the speaker of the parliament- until the new round of elections. It was not the only critical amendment. “The most important changes over which the referendum is believed to have been organized were the cancellation of the proportional electoral system, which implied that deputies are to be selected only on the basis of single-member constituencies; the number of votes required for the election of President was reduced to simple majority where before two thirds of votes were required; and transfer authority to ban political parties from the Constitutional Court to public courts”. 

The day of the referendum was marred by violations, fraud, and yet, passed with 97percent vote.

In 2009, Ilham Aliyev, the son of Heydar Aliyev had his own referendum on March 18, which allowed him to cross off the presidential term limit among other critical amendments. Needless to say fraud and violations were abound. You know what they say, "like father like son". 

And just when we thought it cannot get any worse, Ilham Aliyev (who has been in power since 2003) decides to introduce a whole new series of amendments in another referendum. 

So what does he propose this time? In total there are 29 proposed amendments: 

- broadly speaking to reorganize the legislative as well as executive branches; 

- Aliyev suggests to extend his presidential term by another 2 years, making it 7 years in total; and have the right to announce elections at any time;

- Prime Minister would be replaced by first vice president and vice presidents; 

- Vice presidents will have immunity throughout their service. Unless vice presidents are caught "in action" committing a crime, he/she (most likely he) will be totally untouchable;

- President would have the right to introduce "extraordinary election" for president;

- Minimum of 35 age limit for presidential candidacy will be removed;

- The age limit for parliament member candidates would be reduced to 18;

- In case of human rights and freedoms violations, civil servants will only carry civic responsibility;

- Citizenship: according to current constitution, Azerbaijani citizen can not under any circumstance be deprived of his/her right to Azerbaijani citizenship. The new amendment suggests to remove "cannot under any circumstance"; 

- Land ownership can be restricted by law

What do these mean? Well it depends on who you ask. 

Alovsat Aliyev says that for instance removing "cannot under any circumstance" clause to the article on citizenship will increase cases of forced revoking. "This has to do with the government's interests in revoking citizenship from any citizen it wants", says the expert. 

On the amendment on land ownership, lawyer Yalchin Imanov says, "so basically now, property or land will be taken. Because up until now, constitution ensured immunity of property and the government was obliged to fulfill this immunity".

But not everyone is worried. Siyavush Novruzov, a parliament member thinks, "as the country develops, its security mechanisms improve, and reforms are carried out within state structures, it is important to make necessary amendments to constitution". As for the 7 year term limit, Novruzov had something even more outlandish to say. "Azerbaijan holds elections for three consecutive years [referring to presidential, parliamentary and municipal elections]. It takes one year to prepare for each election. That's why increasing presidential term from 5 to 7 is praiseworthy". 

Something tells me this referendum will go through just like all other referendums. And president will have all that he needs to ensure his son enters politics soon enough and it all will be fine in the land of Aliyevistan.

"Impressive budgets" in a country with 67$ minimum wage

Found some impressive comparative data on what Azerbaijan spent on its first European Games (and looks like the last since there are no other host candidates and I very much hope it stays this way- we really don't need another dictatorship taking such an endeavor on). But don't get too excited. We are not talking about real progress here. Although in a way it is- the government of Azerbaijan wins gold in the category of how best to rummage through budgets and reserves intended for the country's future. No wonder why we were so keen on hosting these games.

Anyhow, I have written enough about the games and so have many others who have been critical of the games, the whole concept of these games and of course, the state of life in Azerbaijan amid these games.

I found this perfect infographic (which I somehow missed originally) prepared by Sport For Rights who also have a website with valuable info and facts on the crackdown underneath all the Aliyev glitz. 

These are indeed impressive numbers especially against the deteriorating state of health care and social services in a country where minimum wage for 2015 was announced to be 105AZN which is approximately 67USD. Oh yea, we are rich and we are famous, but our people have to literally survive from month to month on these breadcrumbs.

So where is the development you all talk about?

I came across this photo series on AzadliqRadiosu earlier today as I was browsing news.

It is terrible, it is sad, and it is a reminder and stark contrast to what President Aliyev always LOVES talking about- Azerbaijan's development on all fronts. 

Aliyev often says Azerbaijan is great. Or that Azerbaijan succeeded at this or that. And all too often his minions love to say its because everyone is jealous of Azerbaijan that they keep criticizing the country. 

Well I am pretty darn sure, that noone in Europe or the Western world will be jealous of these pictures.  Or the state of this clinic that supposed to help people in need.

So where is this amazing, wonderful, over the top development that Ilham Aliyev likes to talk about? I do not see it in these pictures, that is for sure.

I dare President Aliyev and his lovely family of fashionistas come and get treated at this clinic

Yes, this is what Europe is jealous of!

Forget about sanitary just think for a moment, we boat of Haydar Aliyev Cultural Centers, Flame Towers, Highest Flag Poles but our Ministry of Health can boast about rotten medical buildings

I dare Azerbaijan's Minister of Health to come and get his teeth done here!

Burton's wild imagination

Nah, unfortunately it wont be Tim Burton I will be writing about. Although I wish it was. Its easier to write about true artists and talented people than about people who pretend to be knowledgeable and say some very strange things about places, people, and issues they don't really know much about (or worse, are paid to say or write). 

So here is another Burton, Dan Burton, a former Republican member of U.S. House of representatives from Indiana. 

Mr. Burton recently wrote a piece about Azerbaijan, giving it a catchy title "Why Azerbaijan is important to America and the free world?"

Turns out former Republican member knows this super great, amazing country - Azerbaijan - but thats the problem you see. There is no such Azerbaijan Burton is writing of. And here is why. 

In his piece Burton describes Azerbaijan as a country committed to religious tolerance and understanding. Hmm... Is this why few religious figures are sitting in jail? And which understanding? I am guessing just because we have some churches and synagogue its a sign of understanding? 

Moving forward, Burton writes "Tolerance in Azerbaijan is an example to the entire world". Oh my! well thats something. If the entire world would take the "tolerance" exercised in Azerbaijan as an example then sooner than later there will be more people in jail (arrested on bogus charges of course); there will be no free media left (bought by the government or ready to suck up at any cost); rampant corruption; abuse of human rights and crackdown over free voices. 

As Burton writes "Azerbaijan has taken impressive steps in just 23 years" - well if you mean mastering the crackdown, corruption, and failing at building a democracy then yes, impressive indeed! Azerbaijan has taken impressive steps in building up fear; in discouraging its own citizens; in failing at providing equal, fair and top quality education across the country; in failing to provide basic services and care of its own people! This is no big news, all it takes is visiting few villages outside of Baku Mr. Burton and you will see how "Far" and "impressive" the country has come. 

There is also something about economy too. "The economy is robust, and economic policies are aimed at improving the lives of citizens", well this is some statement. Which robust economy are we talking about here?! The one that depends solely on energy resources? Or the one that has failed so far at making this country a place where living standards are high, where people actually live and have a normal life (and don't give me that World Bank report conclusions please)! Of course this does not suit the government, why would it?! If Aliyev's cronies and himself remotely ever considered improving the lives of citizens (as Mr. Burton notes) well neither Aliyev nor his cronies would be in power right now. 

But there were few more things that really made me laugh - responsible free markets and gender equality. 

There is no such thing as free economy in Azerbaijan let alone responsible! Its all a monopoly of goods and businesses owned by very powerful men (yes men not women mind you) and of course government officials and the all mighty, his holy highness Mr. Aliyev himself.

And about that gender equality - there isn't much of it. Just because women were given a right to vote before the United States it doesn't mean women are equal in Azerbaijan. They have to fight for their rights harder, they have to prove themselves (if they ever get a chance), they have to keep on fighting to have an independent life and no, they do not get to choose often as decisions are made for them. Have you met powerful female government officials? And no, the head of the State Committee for Women, Family and Children does not count! 

So next time someone writes an apologetic piece about how great Azerbaijan is, make your research, visit the country, talk to the locals (and I mean really go and talk to the locals) and then its really up to you and your conscience. Just for the record, pieces as these do more harm for the people in this country not to mention the political prisoners, human rights defenders sentenced on bogus charges by the very same government people like Burton praise and are ready to lay.  

Oh and I just learned that Burton isn't just a former Republican member of U.S. House of representatives. He is also the chairman of the Azerbaijan America Alliance - an organization with a big name and just as big and generous of a pocket when it comes to "promoting" interests of Azerbaijan in "certain circles" and headed by the son of one of the corrupted minsters of Azerbaijan, Anar Mammadov.   

Aliyev's very own russian roulette

There is a song called "Let it be" by Labrinth. It goes something like this: 

Baby this is a Russian roulette
And it ain't my gun
Hallelujaj I ain't dead yet
And I'm still going strong
I don't know about tomorrow
But the battle ain't done

In our version of the story, it is our government holding the gun. They control, they spin, they pick, they shoot. There you have it, another sacrifice is made, another rights defender jailed, journalist threatened, voice silenced. 

You have to understand, this is the reality. Its not the flame towers, its not the new trump tower and revolving bar at the top of new hilton hotel. Its none of that. You know what it is?! It is how government shits and vomits on its very own people, and on its very own kind. This is the extent of respect. Because they know they can do it. No matter what. Because the people are silenced. Fear has taken over them while hunger blinded them.

In this reality, some take the shit and the vomit. Some build walls around them to avoid it but only temporarily.

This is the reality! Roulette spins, red or white, odd or even, it doesn't matter, because the government holds the control button and they hold the gun. 

And very few brave ones are ready to step in, and take the bullet. This is the reality of our Azerbaijan. 

There is another line in that song that goes:

I'mma go out fightin'
And leave my scars
I don't know about tomorrow
But I know I got heart

There, that is one thing that keeps the brave ones going I suppose- them knowing they have a heart and keep on fighting. For how long though? When will it all end?

Video of Guler Ahmadova bargaining over parliamentary seat- now with English subtitles

I shared this video in my earlier post on the issue. However the original video was in Azerbaijani. This time you can watch the video with English subtitles. Watch and share! We are yet to see what will happen to Ms. Ahmadova... In the meantime, at least we have confirmed that corruption and bribery in Azerbaijan has no limits. That is why Azerbaijani Milli Majlis (the National Parliament) will never exercise its executive power. That is why non of our "democratically elected" MPs will ever stand by their people, vote on laws that would protect the people. The only body they will stand by will be their President- the one and only, Aliyev All Mighty! And that will always be their Achilles Hill- one mistake, one wrong word, one statement (against the President and his cronies of course) and your mandate is gone, and you are back among those very people you disrespect and fool by fake elections, false promises and look at them from above as if you are untouchable forever...

The full transcript of the video available here.

Struggle continues

While Mehman Huseynov was released (though the hooliganism charges still stand until investigation is over), Azerbaijani government still remains a repressive regime charging innocent men with hooliganism and drug possession. The struggle must continue and further attempts of arrests on bogus charges must end.

The Eurovision might be over, the spotlight is gone, but the country remains known for its poor human rights record and free press. And while Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton gave a clear sign that democracy in Azerbaijan is not a priority for the US anymore and so have EU officials (well, some of them to say the least, in particular Council of Europe), I am hopeful that Azerbaijan has the potential to change and become the true democracy. Its human rights advocates deserve it. Its journalists deserve it. Its people deserve it.

So the struggle still continues...

Ah the Eurovision!

Source: Google Images

The Eurovision is fast approaching. The country hosting the competition this year- Azerbaijan- is also fast approaching. You know what? The mere ridiculousness of its current spending allocated to the contest. And we are not talking of few thousand of dollars here. In fact, this country is fast approaching the title of  being one of the few (if not the only since no one would invest so much in a silly song contest) countries in the whole history of the song contest. 

Why? To show- off would be the likely answer (and also because there is no logical one really!). The irony is that while it invests millions (USD75.7 to be precise) in a glitz event of the year, the government continues to keep a tight lid on its other spending like education, health care or social care. But I wont be writing about that this time. Instead, I am going to write about a very "generous contribution"that was allocated to the veterans of the WWII just yesterday. Get ready for the numbers ladies and gents because while we waste millions we cannot afford going over 500AZN [RUS] for the people who really are the heroes (ehm... no offense to Ell and Nikki who are too considered "heroes" by many in Azerbaijan) of this country (the money allocated takes into account families and widows of the veterans). The total amount allocated makes around AZN7.5million. 

I just don't understand why waste so much money on something thats going to last for few days when you can built a better future and provide sufficient support to those who are in need and on constant basis rather than one- time only installments as a sign of noble charity? 

What a silly question though, because no one cares about sustainable development. We should spend more now on useless things like Eurovision so that tomorrow, when we have nothing left, we can take apart the Crystal Hall (Eurovision concert hall) and use it for barter when everyone starts running scared (minus the mountains, the sea, and most importantly the dog) from Azerbaijan...

Child marriage

It was on one of my visits to Azerbaijan for field work, when I met young girls still in school, engaged, waiting to get married. Child marriage is a problem everywhere across the world. In countries like Ethiopia, Afghanistan, and elsewhere this is considered a common practice. The younger the bride, the better is the common thinking. No one thinks of their future, their education, their life as young mothers- to- be. 

This documentary takes us on a journey of child marriage and abuse. All the while men in most of these countries including Azerbaijan get special satisfaction in luring young girls into the world of abuse, anger and pain. We must take responsibility for our actions. Parents of these young girls who get engaged or married off at a young age, must take responsibility and understand that a girl, is not a thing to be sold for money, food or a house. A daughter is a human being too who has equal rights as her brothers. We must continue raising awareness and educating those who don't know...

You can learn more about the project here.