Azerbaijan’s Friday Wrap-up: Karimli’s case, statement on human rights, teacher dismissed
Azerbaijan’s Friday wrap-up the week of 16 September 2024.
Ali Karimli’s Defamation Trial Begins
The trial of Ali Karimli, the leader of the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP), has commenced, with charges of defamation brought against him by former party member Aydin Aliyev. The case, which began on September 19 at the Nasimi District Court under Judge Babek Panahov, stems from Aliyev’s claims that Karimli slandered him in various online broadcasts. Aliyev, who has since been expelled from the party and taken up pro-government activities, is utilizing Article 147 (defamation) of the Criminal Code against Karimli.
During the proceedings, Karimli’s defense presented documents intended to demonstrate the baselessness of the accusations, asserting that Karimli’s statements did not contain defamatory content. However, the representative for the plaintiff, Elvin Aliyev, objected to the immediate consideration of these documents, requesting they be submitted through an electronic system for review.
The court has postponed further hearings until October 14, providing time for the plaintiff’s side to review the defense’s submissions. The APFP has denounced the trial as politically motivated, aimed at sidelining the party and its leader from political activity.
18 Groups Urge Europe to Address Azerbaijan Rights
In a significant international appeal, 18 human rights organizations have urged the new Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, to prioritize the alarming human rights situation in Azerbaijan. The organizations highlighted the mass arrests of journalists and activists, intensifying following Azerbaijan’s non-ratification by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29). They emphasized that the repression targets increasingly younger activists, with nearly no independent civil society entities left, and independent media heads being arrested.
The letter specifically pointed out the case of Anar Mammadli, a renowned election rights expert, who was detained under dubious charges of “smuggling” after publishing preliminary results of the February presidential elections and announcing the establishment of the COP29 – Justice Environment Initiative. Mammadli’s arrest is seen as indicative of escalating repressions expected in 2024.
The organizations also noted that Mammadli is not the only political prisoner, with over 300 political prisoners reported in Azerbaijan. They called on Berset to use all means to secure the release of Mammadli and others detained on political grounds and to urge Azerbaijani authorities to revise laws targeting human rights defenders and civil society, based on recommendations from the Venice Commission.
Azerbaijan: Outspoken Teacher Dismissed
Leyla Najafguliyeva, a primary school teacher in Aranli, Azerbaijan, was dismissed after protesting the delayed opening of a newly constructed school. Najafguliyeva, who had previously highlighted issues such as the lack of proper sanitation facilities at the school, claims her dismissal was orchestrated by the school director, Anar Alakbarov, and his wife, due to her outspoken nature and demands for high teaching standards. The Mil-Mughan Regional Education Department confirmed her dismissal, citing her alleged misconduct, including using students for personal gain during a live social media broadcast.
Najafguliyeva’s dismissal followed her public criticism of the school’s administration and the regional education department, which she accused of favoring subservient and corrupt staff. She also claimed that her family members faced repercussions due to her outspokenness. Despite her dismissal, Najafguliyeva conducted an outdoor class as a form of protest on the first day of the new academic year, which was interrupted by a local executive representative.
The Ministry of Education and Science has not responded to inquiries regarding the incident, and the school’s administration has remained silent.