Azerbaijan: Local authorities shut down human rights film festival
Freemuse received the following press release from Baku on 9 April 2013: The Art for Democracy campaign condemns recent actions by local authorities to shut down a human rights film festival in Lankaran. This incident constitutes a violation of the rights to freedom of expression and assembly and highlights local authorities’ disrespect for human rights. [...]
Azerbaijan: Rapper arrested, allegedly for song criticising police
“We strongly condemn the detention and harassment of popular Azerbaijani rapper Said Aliyev, also known as Dado, and consider this action as unlawful interference with his right to freedom of expression,” wrote The Art for Democracy campaign in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, on 4 March 2013. On 27 February 2013, Said Aliyev was called [...]
Azerbaijan: Writer Akram Aylisli under threat
A highly regarded novelist, Akram Aylisli, has had his life put in danger as angry protestors have gathered outside his home, burning copies of his book, and an opposition figure issued threats against him. A ransom of 9,500 euro has been announced to anyone who cut off Akram Aylisli’s ear. The source of the outcry [...]
Azerbaijan: Art for Democracy campaign launched
On 10 December 2012, the Baku-based Human Rights Club launched a human rights campaign, Art for Democracy, to provide support to artists who are subjected to human rights violations. “It will be the first campaign of its kind in Azerbaijan, and we hope this new, creative approach will be effective,” said Human Rights Club Chairman [...]
Azerbaijan and Eurovision: Behind the propaganda
This video was produced by Human Rights Watch to show why the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) should speak out against Azerbaijan’s appalling record on freedom of expression in the lead-up to the Eurovision Song Contest. It contains an interview with exiled musician Jamal Ali: The Eropean Broadcasting Union, EBU, declined to show this video at [...]
Azerbaijan: About censorship, fear and Eurovision
In May 2012, artists from all over Europe will gather in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, for the world’s biggest non-sport television event, the Eurovision Song Contest. The authoritarian regime that rules the country sees its chance to paint a picture of Azerbaijan as a modern and prosperous country. But native musicians have very limited [...]
Azerbaijan: Two musicians detained
Two musicians and the leader of a youth organisation were detained after protests in the capital Baku on 17 March 2012. They are currently being held in Sabael District Police Office, and there is concern that they have been subjected to torture. “Fresh doubts have been raised about the suitability of Azerbaijan to host May’s Eurovision [...]
