Amnesty International: Azerbaijan cannot credibly present itself as a rights-respecting democracy
Azerbaijan cannot credibly present itself as a rights-respecting democracy so long as it continues to beat up and imprison peaceful protesters, Amnesty International official website reported.
“Azerbaijan cannot credibly present itself as a rights-respecting democracy so long as it continues to beat up and imprison peaceful protesters,” said John Dalhuisen, Deputy Director of Amnesty International's Europe and Central Asia programme. “The regime must realize that hosting glitzy events such as Eurovision won't mask the extent of the country’s human rights violations. They need to drastically change their attitude to peaceful protest.”
Jabbar Savalan and Dayanat Babayev were beaten as they were arrested along with 14 other protesters and a journalist when police violently dispersed a demonstration in central Baku. Eye-witnesses report Majid Marjanli and Abulfaz Gurbanly were later beaten up while in custody at Yasamal District police station.