The World Movement for Democracy is concerned to learn about the widespread repressive actions taken by the Azerbaijani government in response to peaceful protests on October 19-20, 2019. These measures include arbitrary arrests, police brutality, and an internet and mobile shutdown. Such actions show the government’s flagrant disregard for its citizens’ basic human rights, including the right to peaceful assembly, the right to access information, and the right to free expression. We join organizations around the world in reminding the government of Azerbaijan of its international obligations to uphold these basic human rights.
Oct.22.– Prior to the protests, the government preemptively arrested and charged two protest organizers with politically motivated criminal cases. Additionally, organizations estimate that anywhere between 60-100 people were detained during the October 19 protest against political imprisonments and the country’s repressive government. Many videos show violent treatment of protesters, who are visibly unable to defend themselves, by police. In a separate protest regarding violence against women on October 20, police engaged in similarly brutal tactics.
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