Your trusted source

Baku is preparing to host the first ever European games that are designed to pushing the repressive regime of Azerbaijan, which with the help of the glitz and glamor is going to divert the attention from the sad reality, reads the statement of the British Platform London organization which is engaged in power engineering and democracy issues.

“Though [Azerbaijani President] Aliyev has claimed that these smaller games provide proof that Azerbaijan is politically stable, economically successful and infrastructure ready; a country which is capable of hosting the Summer games, in actuality this was the Olympic games no one wanted – Azerbaijan was the only bidder. For most countries this first ever (perhaps only) European Olympics was too much of a financial risk in austerity Europe. But for an autocrat desperate to prove himself on the international stage this was the perfect opportunity,” the article reads.

In autumn 2015 Formula 1 will also come to Baku. Another chance for the Aliyev’s to rub shoulders with the rich and famous, is noted in the article.

Aliyev is no doubt hoping all the glitz and glamour will distract from the violent reality of life in Baku. There are currently 100 political prisoners in jail. Healthcare is unaffordable in Azerbaijan and many people in rural areas don’t have access to piped gas or running water, the author writes.

But the regime isn’t the only ones preparing for the Baku games – Azerbaijani democracy activists are too. The author of the article notes that during her time in Baku she had the chance to meet up with Rasul Jafarov. The human rights activists want to use this event to bring the human rights situation to the attention of the international, particularly the European, community. There will be journalists, fans, official delegations, that’s a lot of international attention. In advance of the games Azerbaijan is already increasing the pressure on activists in the country.

In February 2014 they amended the law and indirectly prohibited the activities of non-registered NGOs.

“2015 is an important year for Azerbaijan because of the Parliamentary elections and the regime are nervous of these new activists, and are already increasing repression in advance of the elections,” reads the article.

It is noted that the situation with the human rights and democracy started to worsen before the oil and gas incomes came to Azerbaijan. The main income from oil came in 2005 when the Baku-Tibilsi-Ceyhan pipeline started to operate.

“And from that time the situation started to deteriorate. journalists are being arrested, political prisoners, religious believers -if you criticize the government you can be easily interrogated and prosecuted under fabricated charges,” states the human rights activist Rasuk Jafarov.