Azerbaijan – Can an event like the Eurovision Song Contest change an authoritarian country like Azerbaijan? Apparently it can’t. During the Eurovision Song Contest 2012, many human rights activists voiced their concern that once the international media attention would fade, the Azeri government would take revenge on human rights activists and opposition members for blemishing the perfect façade the government tried to uphold for the event.
They apparently were right: As balcanicaucaso.org reports, the country’s presidential spokesperson, Ali Hasanov fiercely criticized democracy and human rights advocates, local and international human rights organizations, independent journalists and opposition party members for their “inappropriate and shameful” behavior. “In which part of the world are opposition parties as free as they are in Azerbaijan? […] Civil society organizations should mobilize in resistance against such groups [journalists, human rights defenders, Human Rights House, Amnesty International]. You civil organizations have to stand against all of these groups. These opposition activists, journalists, and media outlets shouldn’t be brave enough to go into the city. They should feel ashamed. Public hatred should be demonstrated against them […]”
This call for public hatred was accompanied by police actions against human rights activists throughout the country. Arrests, detention, inhuman treatment and organized attacks against opposition has increased since the end of the Eurovision Song Contest, says human rights organization Article 19. The following example stands in for many similar events happening in Azerbaijan right now. The editor-in-chief of the Talishi Sado (“Voice of Talysh”) newspaper, Hilal Mamedov has been arrested. First he was charged with drug possession, now the charges were changed to treason and ethnic, religious and racial hatred.
Mamedov is a widely known defender of human rights. He published a YouTube video called “Who are you? Come on, goodbye” which has been seen over 10 million times, especially in neighbouring Russia. In a letter from prison, Mamedov explains why he has been arrested. After the video gained so much popularity in Russia, a Russian television channel came to his region to talk about the Talysh culture. After the report, Mamedov was attacked by 7 men and “They accused me of separatism and of spreading opposition propaganda on Facebook and other social networks,” he says.
Democracy is also under attack in Baku: In June, the Azeri parliament passed a new bill granting the ruling members of the Aliyev family “wide-ranging immunity from arrest and prosecution for any crime committed during his presidency or while acting in his capacity as president,” saying that these measures were necessary in the current political climate.
Related articles
- Eurovision 2013: New Rules May Exclude Belarus, Azerbaijan or even Russia (eurovisiontimes.wordpress.com)
- Iran: “Azerbaijan Insults Islam With Eurovision” (eurovisiontimes.wordpress.com)
- Loreen Causes Stir By Performing for Dictator (eurovisiontimes.wordpress.com)
- Loreen Meets Human Rights Activists in Belarus (eurovisiontimes.wordpress.com)
- Azerbaijani police break up opposition rally in runup to Eurovision (guardian.co.uk)
- Germany: Danke, Anke! (eurovisiontimes.wordpress.com)
The only “inappropriate and shameful” behavior I have witnessed was the behaviour of the Azerbaijani authorities … and calling for hatred now … how civilised! Even if I am very sceptical, I hope that things will change for the better there soon.
If it wasn’t so sad for the people living in Azerbaijan (all the violence and the lack of freedom), I might have a good laugh because when it comes to representation and the status of the presidential family, Azerbaijan is little more than an Operettenstaat. I guess that everyone with some influence in Baku wears a very fanciful uniform with countess medals and wonder how long it will take for Mr and Ms Aliyev to be deified …
To bring out my Latin side: Ayayay. :s
Isn’t it time to throw this country out of EBU? Of course all countries have something to complain about, my own country no exception. But when it comes to human rights it seems that Azerbaijan outdoes all other countries in Eurovision, even Belarus. Azerbaijan is a country that I can see win again in the very near future. Do we want a repeat of the propaganda we had this year?
I think the EBU were really cowardly in Azerbaijan this year. The entire show was completely below par. Yes there was a lot of money spent on it but the postcards were awful, the theming was rubbish and the interval act was horrific. It was a show about Azerbaijan and that’s all, there was nothing in their theming that suggested it was a song contest.
I think Azerbaijan has a long way to go as far as democracy is concerned, it is a clear dictatorship but nobody seems to realise it.
“These opposition activists, journalists, and media outlets shouldn’t be brave enough to go into the city. They should feel ashamed. Public hatred should be demonstrated against them […]””
I mean…Is this for real?!!!
Azerbaijan is a country that is being brainwashed..
Someone from Azerbaijan’s propaganda ministry has been here and given 2 thumb downs to every critical comment …
Do not pay attention to the thumbs anyway. They easily can be manipulated. Once in a night I noticed that a comment of mine which already stood there for a while without being attended to got seven thumb-downs within ten minutes.
* which had stood
I would not mind this option being deleted from this site.
Unfortunately that is not possible.. Believe me I tried. These thumbs bug me enormously… but now I only notice them if someone brings them up..
Well, if they are restricted by IP address and not by MAC, it is quite easy to give as many thumbs as you liket… But they aren’t so important anyway
At least we have websites like this reporting on these issues. Eurovision.TV would not report any of this. EBU needs to take action against Azerbaijan, or at the very least the people of Europe and juries not to allow them to win again with another shallow empty song.
Its a dictatorship that is out of control.
If you dislike this comment your living in a deluded state and supporting oppression an freedom
Nope. ESC should not be mixed up with politics. *dislike*
exactly! The president’s wife being the head of organization and people being arrested to keep up the good picture is some serious mixing up…
I was referring to the voting issue. But apart from that each country is responsible for their own organisation. During the show no political content was included so Ms. Əliyeva did not anything wrong, did she? At least we did not witness technical glitches as last year in Germany under the auspices of Thomas Schreiber.
“During the show no political content was included so Ms. Əliyeva did not anything wrong, did she?”
Did you see a different show? The post cards were pure propaganda clips and in the final the president’s son-in-law was hugging the Azerbaijani flag.
Honestly, I have been reading your comments for 2 years now but I still haven’t figured out whether you are really that naive or not. Perhaps what you do is all very conscious propaganda …
They were displaying sundry pictures, landscapes and cultural events of Baku. In the old days it was custom for the hosts to showcast themselves. At turn of the century this tradition started to be more and more neglected until Oslo and Düsseldorf abandoned also the last remaining local hints hence I am all grateful that the Azerbaijani Turkish arrangers interrupted this trend. It was only a question of time.
And for the flag, I guess it should be comprehensible they were incredibly proud to organise an event of this size – everyone would be.
Me spreading propaganda is funny though. As much as I try I cannot recall myself promoting my personal views and wishful thoughts as genuine truths or attempting to change other persons’ attitudes.
I completely agree with you, togravus.
Where are you from, CC? You seem to have a bit of hatred towards Western countries and seem to be completely oblivious to a lot of “political” problems going on with the Eurovision
Germany. No, I am not but I maintain the idea that one should winnow music from political issues. Frankly I do not see any violation of that principle on the part of Azerbaijani Turkish officials rather than on the part of some western media. It has nothing to with hate, it is the impression I got.
Greece and Finland did the same then for their hostings duh.
honestly you have an underlying vendetta against Germany in most of your comments. I agree with topgravus that you must have been watching a different contest. Eurovision 2012 reeked of propaganda..
Why should I? I am German myself. What I do is stating my opinion everyone is free to disagree with.
Promotion, not propaganda! We are trying to develop tourism, thats all!
of course you would dislike. Typical
EBU will not report because:
1/ they don’t do politics
2/ there was nothing to report – this “report” is all twisted lie!
Can you proof that is is a lie…
I’m trying to find what Ali Hasanov said (I read it before). But best proof is if you visit the country and see with your onwn eyes! But please learn what it was like before so that your expectatins were reasonable.
I said “twisted” lie, by the way. He said what he said (I saw his full speech on youtube, finally found it). He made MANY valid poits. MOSTLY. Few things he said like the one our friend above has cut and posted like “These opposition activists, journalists, and media outlets shouldn’t be brave enough to go into the city. They should feel ashamed. Public hatred should be demonstrated against them […]”” can be terribly misuanderstood when taken not only out of context of the speech but of the entire situation in and around the country, history leading to this speech, values and culture of the people to whom this speech was addressed (mainly to Azeris). In his speech he says few things only Azeris can understand (and Russians and to that matter all former USSR, these things derive from the previous power battle between two world, the cold war preceeding Perestroyka). To a Westerner or a very young person even from the USSR block those words would be not only not understandble but also unsulting and make one cringe. I understand it very well. I can see why such reaction can happen in the West and why I personally did not see anything wrong in them (I’m not old, or even middle aged by the way
)but in contrary supported him fully (although admitting he was a bit harsh sometimes but I’m sure he is FRUSTRATED). So my only advise woudl be – stop measuring everyone with one ruler of yours. be more open minded, flexible and global. Keep in mind also Caucasus is a unique place – it has a very unique mentality which unites various Caucasian people regardless of their language and religion. it is a bit archaic, but we have a right to be – we are one of the most ancient places of human settlement in the world, stuck in mountains with our own vews and means of survival. History has been VERY harsh on us. So are battle hardened and will just proceed how we find suitable for us (reference” situation in Arabic world, which in comparison with most of Europe and America is much more ancient and full of own ideas how to conduct thing – West is no “teacher” for them).
The Eurosong Music Contest is back!! After a few months break, the EMC has returned and is looking for participants from all over Europe!
Should you wish to participate, just send the European country that you wish to compete with (available countries can be found on the site), the artist, the song and youtube link, to eurosongmusiccontest@gmail.com
The deadline for submissions is the 28th July.
I look forward to hearing from you!
http://www.eurosongmusiccontest.blogspot.com
Thanks! I think everyone interested in the contest has seen the message by now.
hahahahaaaa
))
the new China in Caucasia.. sad!!! but money talks.. and no one will care, mark my words!
who the f… gave me thumps down for my comment , grrr!!!!
Me! Because I disagree with your comment! I haven’t right for this? And give some respect to other opinions, please!
Great isn’t it? The ability to vote a comment down, I mean. Now imagine something even more exciting, like countries where people have to right every few years to actually vote for their government. Isn’t that extraordinary?
This is REALLY website for Eurovision? lol
With Eurovision being held in Azerbaijan and people suffering even more now it is an integral part of the “Eurovision experience” now and really! Eurovision… (That’s my point of view =) )
It’s JUST provocation against of Azerbaijan! How pathetic you are!?
NO COMMENT!!!
ok. thanks for the constructive criticism…
I just feel so sad and hopless about this. The propaganda minister just feels like a bullie, stupid and afraid, that always wants to be right, just like an immature child or something… Who the hell does he think he is?!? His mama should be teaching him a lesson or two…
Call me racist, but it seems that aggression is like a pest in the genes of every single ”Turkic state” policy makers…as Anke said ”Azerbaijan Europe is watching you”.
Germany showed (hopefully for good) that things like that can change…
Doesn’t the whole Europe now go down that path with increasing racism and xenophobia?
Good for them. Well you mentioned it first. let me rant a bit then… But still Germany has no moral right to teach others who never created such thing as rasicm, nacism, concentration camps and genocide. For a long time, Germany and likes who were not in allied forces in WW2 cannot make a squeack in address of those who fought Nazi Germany. Azeris have. 600,000 people died, tens of heroes of USSR. Azeri oil supplied all allied forces and was crucial to the victory. My grandfather was a field surgeon, he came back from war, from Berlin in late 1946 (after having fixed allied and German soldiers and officers). he came back a colonel. He has seen it all from 1941 June and told us stories. Showed pictures. I keep quiet now… We will take criticism, if at all, only from England and France, USA, Australia and Canada.
Oh, one Turkophob here! What do you know about turks? Do you know that official line is that Azeris are not Turks – we are Caucasians who were subject to language replacement 1000 years ago (I don’t neccessarily agree with this).But who WERE Turks? The DNA genealogy is slowly uwrapping the dark pages of history. I can assure you in 20-30 years many history books will change. Including theories on who Turks were. And Turkophobia will also dissappear! Hopefully…
Bashing of Azerbaijan continued… right? Azerbaijan is worse than Belarus? Are you serious??? Said who? Surely not EU, EC or Eurocommision!
Please read this till the end – sorry for the huge post!
People, I am amazed how you are all willingly being manipulated and trolled here! This may seem like a European vendetta against an economically successful country when Europe is struggling! In reality things are more sinister. What happened before the song contest was planned provocations, aimed at creating black PR about the country. 99% of the article is wrong! I have read Ali Hasanov’s comments myself. All he said was that although there are differences internally, it was inappropriate for some radical (not all opposition is radical in Azerbaijan) opposition to act so non-patriotic during the time when the whole world’s attention was drawn to the country by causing provocations. If they have issues, they have to work with the civil society, the MPs constructively, legally and understanding the countries priorities correctly. His words were twisted! He did not say the society has to unite against them but that these radicals will not receive public support no matter how hard they try as people are getting better life every day under the current government and are much more patriotic than those radicals whose goals are not betterment of the people’s conditions but personal political gain (opposition is very fractioned, weak and has no public support in Azerbaijan. So they needed to create some “resonans”, to attract attention). He said people have to and will avoid falling for such provocations. He called for citizens unity in Azerbaijan’s quest for reforms and democratic development. He said the radicals could have waited and brought up the issues in a more civilised manner after the event or before the event.
The problem is those radicals don’t know how to do it properly. Yet! Why? Because our civil society is not yet developed, is immature, lacks experience and knowledge how to do such things, So it comes out very ugly and inappropriate which instead of resolving problems worsens them…
And they succeeded in a way though. Azerbaijan paid hard for it, but still.. What;s worse is that it is not recognised by people like you, in contrary, the totally perverted information propagating hate towards our country. But in reality after the event more good things than bad things happened. Development of Baku and the whole country also not just did not stop, but accelerated! Reforms accelerated! This showed positive attitude and democratic willingness and dedication of our government. Certain revealed deficiencies were acknowledged and addressed. For example, the law was adopted that no house will be demolished without following a proper process and houses will be demolished only after having everybody’s agreement and settlement, including the residents’. Also the good thing that came out of it was the visit of Azerbaijan after the event by a group of German journalists who went outside of Baku, to see if the whole country is developing or only a few blocks in Baku. They also met with the reps of civil society, local journalists, government and Parliament members, with NGOs and opposition leaders, to make a full picture of the situation in Azerbaijan. They said what they read in Western newspapers is panic, here they saw a completely different, positive situation – the country is totally booming and all areas of it are developing very well. They said they will go back and share their findings, to balance out the Western reader’s opinion. Also, Azerbaijan was visited by OSCE who trained local police how to deal with the protesters which become destructive and disobedient (when they protest in places not sanctioned by municipality). The state oil company which was involved in one such incident was instructed to go through legal processes through municipalities rather than trying to sort the problems out on their own. The reason the State Oil Company SOCAR is involved is that during USSR and after the first phase of the Karabakh war, many illegal settlements (in Sulu Tepe) emerged – slums – right on top of the oil/gas pipelines, oil derricks, communal water, gas, sewage infrastructure, preventing from servicing the infrastructure, in case of leak in the pipeline or for diagnosis or preventive reasons. The standards for oil exploitation in USSR were very different from Western standards – nobody cared about environment, people’s health or the condition of the infrastructure. Nobody looked what is built where. Lots of illegal and hazardous bildings were built (like the one on the sea shore, which was demolished prior to the Eurovision and wrongly connected with Crystal Hall – it was standing in the dangerous land slide zone and no tall buildings should have been allowed there). Now in Azerbaijan the standards are changing towards European and the Oil Company in cases of illegal settlements on oil/gas infrastructure and pipelines’ paths, and municipality in case of social communal infrastructure need access to the infrastructure, to restore, maintain it and clean around it. Hence all those illegal settlers will be moved to better places (with modern infrastructure). Sulu Tepe is one of Baku suburbs (similar to those in Panorama report “Dirty Secrets”) and those are slums and the area is very polluted. These settlements will be vacated, to clean the place, get access to infrastructure for oil, gas transportation and municipality purposes. People would be given new places to live but not necessarily so close to the city (all vacant areas around Baku are actually lands on/under which oil/gas pipelines extend all the way till Russian and Europe, they must not be inhabited. Plus many of these are areas of high voltage lines, not good for people anyway). Those people would be offered places in towns outside Baku, which may not satisfy all, but most. So this is what the state oil company was tying to sort out unaware of the better way of doing it, using old Soviet style for handling such problems. Now they have been instructed to follow a new legal procedure which has been adopted specially for this purpose and resolve issues constitutionally and taking into consideration, as much as possible, all residents’ wishes. The compensation in case of no ready housing for resettlement would be again EUR 1,500 per square metre or so – this is the standard amount and surely the land is not as valuable but surely is valuable for SOCAR and the country. These are few of the things that have changed and all this is positive. In one way you can say thanks to the song contest that the resolution of these problems found quicker solution that would have been. Azerbaijan was visited in June also by the President of the EU and the head of the Europarliament – both commented very positively on the progress in Azerbaijan. The EU President said – Azerbaijan is in process of building the democratic country. Just like a house cannot be built over night and first you need to build walls to put roof (democracy) on top, Azerbaijan needs time to develop it’s civil society, legislation, implementation of law and Azerbaijan continues doing positive steps in that direction. They noted good progress in anti-corruption program. The processes should continue and be sped up where possible and EU supports Azerbaijan and recognises the progress. He recommended that work was done with the reps of civil societies to help them develop and to build healthy understanding between them and the government so that they could contribute constructively. The Head of EU Parliament said they are very happy with Azerbaijan’s cooperation with the Europarliament and considers it as one of the active and determined partners in inter-parliament cooperation.
The only case of political arrest after the ESC 2012 was the chief editor of the separatist newspaper who was left to write whatever his newspaper wished (even against the Azeri integrity) until he made some TOO bold comments on FB about the government and Azerbaijan. He was the author of a youtube video from Azeri (Talysh) wedding where professional meyhana (old Azeri rap-battle equivalent of 150 years) performers sang a song in meyhana style in Russian which became a hit in whole CIS, especially in Russia, after which Putin was trending as number on on Twitter thanks to the phrase from this wedding performance (tiktotakoyputindavaydosvidanya). The performers were Azerbaijan citizens,Talysh (Iranic speaking) brothers Intigam and Ehtiram Rustamovs who performed in Azeri and mainly Russian on the Talysh wedding in Azeri southern province of Lenkoran against Azeri meyhana singers. The competition was very amicable and funny – Russians absolutely loved it! But the person who posted the video used it to emphasise on non-exisiting differences (apart form language) between Azeris and Talysh and was provoking national hatred. Earlier he was known to call for separating from Azerbaijan in uncivilised manner (anti-constitutionally and without any grounds) and creating an Islamic country similar to Iran. Talysh, for your reference is ancient part of Azerbaijan and just as it happened all over Caucasus, although genetically people are almost identical, they speak different languages. For some reasons Talysh did not integrate into Azeri ethnos hundred years ago. This gives no right to some like the editor of Tolisho Sado to call for separation. Having bitter experience with Armenian separatism, such calls for separatism during unresolved war with separatists supported by Armenia are taken painfully and are not well tolerated. Such things become the matter of national security. Talysh can use their language as much as they can but for the time being while many other problems are unresolved, the government cannot sponsor Talysh schools and Talysh books for schoolchildren. Considering Talysh are only 2% of the entire population, one cannot expect such level of support from still developing country like Azerbaijan. With time this hopefully will become possible. Russians are also 2.5% in Azerbaijan and there are Russian schools, newspapers, TV programs, etc. Azerbaijan buys Russian books for schools as they are available – Russia prints them. Talysh books are not available. Plus Russian is widely spoken and even Azeri children go to Russian schools and Universities. The same situ as with Talysh is with Lezgins – they are too little (3%) and dispersed in Azerbaijan, but ask for separation as well. Azerbaijan is facing these issues as a young state – those issues still have to be resolved. And arresting the provocateur-separatist like the editor of Tolisho Sado is appropriate. That they found drugs – no wonder – that area because of proximity of Iran, drug trafficking is present and drugs can be obtained easily from Iranians. Many in the south use light drugs like anasha, hashish habitually.
Next, are you aware that 2 young Azeri poets were arrested in Iran when they travelled there 4 months ago for poetry festival? And for 3.5 months no explanation why they were arrested. Do you know that neither Azeri no Western NGOs so bothered about rights of 9 residents form the demolished housed, ever bothered about this? They were not allowed to have a lawyer, meet relatives, talk on the phone – totally isolated. Only after weeks of negotiations, his relatives will be allowed to meet them. Finally Iran declared they were arrested for spying. Awaiting them is execution (in Azerbaijan there is no execution, unlike Belarus! just one example how Azerbaijan is NOT worse than Belarus!). The Amnesty International and others were nicely keeping quiet! There was a lot of negative discussion about it amongst people and media in Azerbaijan – where are they – the human right activists in Azerbaijan and Europe – why they are not bothered? Why no media coverage for this in Europe? Is it because it is not Azerbaijan that will be bashed??? Why such double standards?
Last. The law for protecting President for not devised only for protecting Aliev. It was to provide coverage for all presidents of Azerbaijan. Thanks to the new law, the ex-President Ayaz Mutalibov was able to return home from spending 20 years in Russia. Ex Communist leader, he fled when National Front came to power (Azeri Prezident Abulfaz Aliev (Elchibey). Pls note this Aliev has nothing to do with the Alievs – it’s the most common surname in Azerbaijan, like Smith). Now Mutalibov was able to return and he has full protection, before he was not sure as he knew there is no law protecting him (he was also scared public uproar because he was the reason Azerbaijan lost the control over Karabakh). Now, state provided personal car, personal accommodation, security, immunity etc. Is this how non-democratic countries do??? Why you don’t mention this? The other ex President – Abulfaz Elchibey has passed away, so only Mutalibov will avail of the law.
I will mention again about patronage Mrs. Alieva provided for the ESC 2012 – she is the President of Heydar Aliev Fund (google it and find out about all the projects it supported and currently sponsors, including restoration of Vatican catacombs). The fund does a GREAT job worldwide! Spending fund money wisely, supporting art, history, research, development, strengthening ties with other countries etc. The fund was best positioned to sponsor the many around and the ESC itself. Why her? She is owner of multiple International Honorary Titles, like UNESCO Ambassador of Peace, France’s prestigious Legion d’Honneur, honoring what French President Nicolas Sarkozy called her “outstanding service and loyalty to France, etc. about 20 of them given to her by various countries, including Western countries and universities! There are not many of her calibre and expertise in Azerbaijan (it’s a young country still) so thank her that she actually supported ESC 2012, why bash her or Azerbaijan for that?
Azerbaijan & EU is currently in negotiations for simplifying visa procedure for Azeri citizens. Official EU supports Azerbaijan, sees it as a developing democracy, fast growing sustainable economy, great reformist, strong and reliable partner! Yes a lot more to be accomplished. Changes are positive, not negative. Miracles don’t happen over night. The society and officials, police etc. have to mature. it takes time in places like Azerbaijan. people traditionally support leaders who improve their life standard. More can be done. But not everything at once. Nothing can warrant the type of instability and apprise like the Arab Spring in Azerbaijan – how can one compare Azerbaijan with Arab countries? With it’s development and success, increasingly prosperous population and development of civil and democratic institutions and freedoms? What is wrong with all of you, guys???
Just to add, the meyhana video by Yalysh brothers was on purely non-political topics – just random rhymes humour of which only Russians and Azeris and former USSR citizen would understand and appreciate, find funny. Nothing political at all. The reason it’s connected to Putin is because the name of the song was :”Who are you, good bye now!” was used in conjunction with Putin’s name by Russians in Russia (this was after the elections in Russia). The mem said: Putin, who are, good bye now! So it was politicised by Russians for their internal purposes. In Azerbaijan the controversy was with the author of the vide on youtube, not the actual performers. The performers themselves were pissed off that their song, without asking their permission was published by this guy and he used it for his separatist purposes. Although Talysh ethnically, they are loyal and devout citizens of Azerbaijan, very loved.
Seriously… do they pay you by word or letter?
See how brainwashed you are! Or totally have no more trust in people! No, I’m not paid for this by anyone. I’m a patriot and I care about what others say and think about my country and I believe in human nature and that if I can explain, maybe some people will understand. Some not all but some is better than none.
You are right. I made a mistake. Belarus is indeed just as bad. On the latest press freedom index Belarus is at place 168. Azerbaijan is at place 162. Out of 179 countries. (My country is at place 3 by the way).
On the corruption perception index both Belarus and Azerbaijan are at place 143 Out of 182 countries. (My country is at place 7).
On the democracy index Belarus is at place 139. Azerbaijan at place 140. Out of 167 countries. (My country is at place 10).
So please spare us your lecture about how great your pathetic dictatorship is.
If I could “like” this a million times I would.
thanks!
Not what you said. I completely disagree with you, I meant Stommie
.
To be honest I got about 15 words into your rant and gave up.
LOL. I stopped reading at “Please read this till the end”. I’d rather read Mao’s Red Book or listen to a speech by Kim Jung Il.
I was being SARCASTIC! LOL!
No you weren’t.
yeah, ok.
well that was rather disgusting to read. Its a country where the poor get poorer an rich get richer.
That utter load of propaganda was vile…
“Its a country where the poor get poorer an rich get richer.”
That’s was has happened in Germany and most other countries over the last two decades too.
honestly how can you compare Germany standard of living to Azerbaijan .. Such a pathetic statement
It is not pathetic, it is objective. Many people here in Germany work full time these days and cannot make ends meet nevertheless. That has been unheard of since the 50s. On the other hand, the obscenely rich get even more obscenely rich by happily speculating against anything that might increase their wealth, totally irrespective of morals.
And I never compared Germany to Azerbaijan because I perfectly know how priviledged I am to live in Germany but that doesn’t mean that I do not recognise what is going on in my home country. I try to never be ideological about anything because being ideological is the signature of small minds.
In fact, however problematic Turnip’s comment might be (“to act non-patriotic”, “understanding the country’s priorities correctly” are phrases that do not exactly show the mentality of free and democratic societies …), it contains some valid points. Due to Azerbaijan’s history and cultural traditions you cannot expect the country to have similar decocratic standards to Belgium, Norway, Portugal etc. now but perhaps the country is heading in the right direction (even if I personally do not endorse the Aliyev family’s political agenda). I am not omniscient and only history will tell. After all, we Germans know best that the road to a free and democratic society can be a long and bumpy one.
P.S. Pointing out sth that has gone wrong in Germany does not qualify the serious infringements of civil and human rights in Azerbaijan. I simply tried to point out that the increasing gap between the rich and the poor is no Azerbaijani idiosynracy.
Thanks for trying to understand
I’m not a governemtn agent or anything. I’m a partriot. The reason “country’s priorities” are mentioned- this is in reference to Karabakh occupation problem. I believe once it’s sorted for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity advantage (and Azerbaijan is willing to give Armenians authonomy but requires than the 1/3 of puoulation – the Azeris coudl also go back and vote together for whatever status for Karabakh within Azerbaijan), our democratic reforms will boom and this is what Europe fails to understand. it fails to demand that Amrenia frees the occupied lands immediately as required by the International Law. Armenia is not interested in having Europe on our side but increasingly it does (official Europe). This causes convultions in Amrneian diaspora and they use all their power in Europe and connections to spoil Azerbaijan’s image. it’s easy for them as Azerbaijan is far from democracy and is an easy target but what it achieves is that our government efforts and willingness to become democratic (Azeri style of course) are veiled by drawing attention to drawbacks of Soviet system and mentality we are trying to get rid of that are so well covered in your media. Of course there are other requirements for democracy – combating corruption, getting people to get rid of the Soviet mentality which prevents democracy from developing faster and TIME! Azeris are not sheepish people. If we don;t like somehting, we change it. You shoudl learn Azeri history bette rto understand. We always protested against violation of our rights. Baku, Azerbaijan has alwyas been revolutionary centre. Even in Iran it si Azerbaijan and Azeris who have always been sources of all changes even the Islamic Revolution which was not designed as such (it was supposed to be a democratic revolution) but Muslim clergy took advantage of the people’s affinity towards religion and lack of ability to decide for themselves and incorporate the Islamic element into it, resulting in an Islamic Revolution. Now Azeris are the population in Iran who are trying to undo it. many go to prisons, are dissidents, have to leave country etc but they don’t give up. One day the world will say thank you to Azerbaijanis for stippoing that nonsense in Iranm mark my words. In Russian Empire Baku was the revolutionary centere. And the collapse of USSR – Azerbaijan played a great role as it was one of the first countries who wanted independence. Millions (look up on Wiki) were in the streets for months until we achieved what we have. We declared independence almost a year before USSR was declared no more. So, believe me Azeris are not easily brain washed. We are not easily frightened or manipulated, but we respect those who makes our lives better – who woudn’t? Ilham Aliev is being proposed by his party (ruling party) for 2013 elections. I wil vote for him as there is nobodey better or equal to him in Azerbaijan yetm who is able to continue the economic and social reforms as he does.
truth hurts!
You are wrong. Since 2003 poverty in Azerbaijan dectreased from 49% to 6% and educing. People are getting more social protection and functional protection systems. it requires a bit more time for better implementation. Azeri’s purchasing parity increased int eh last 6 months by 14% (with inflation of 2%) which is good indicator that pople are becoming more prosperous. Yes some get stinky rich – all capitalistic countries have top 10% very rich people by the middle class grows rapidly. What you say is pure ignorance of stats on Azerbaijan. Why not do some research if you are so concerned about our people? Best ocme visit the country – see with your own eyes. Go to places beyond Baku, pease, see the whol country progressing. Citizen is placed in the middle of all reforms, the aoim is to make every citizen’s life better, socially protected. This is in governemtn program and it’s implemented well. Imagine how bad it was before if what you see today is still not satisfactory to Europe!
Having the Eurovision Song Contest at Azerbaijan this year reminds me of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The media goes straight onto the human rights issue on that country.
Criticizing Azerbaijan’s human rights record is like demanding China to free Tibet. The protestors simply are asking for trouble, they’re basically saying “Come and have a go if you think you’re hard enough!”. And Azerbaijan will hit them hard. And horribly.
I do feel sorry for Loreen. She’s really into the whole human rights issue in Azerbaijan.
These protesters are Azeris, who want to say their opinion freely, live freely and get a piece of the oil cake the Alievs split for themselves… You can’t seriously want that these people shut up and continue living their lives under circumstances that noone in Europe would ever accept…
Those Azeris are not representative of the majority, if they were, the streets would be filled by millions by now, no oppression could stop us as the case was in 1989-1990. We were not scared of Soviets, why should we be scared of Aliev? Especially when the whole world (and most importantly Anke) is watching us (In USSR the iron Curtain hid us form the world). Because we have no reason to do this – people are getting shares of oil money in sensible way. Of course it could be better. it takes times and effort. People are not perfect. The society is plagued by corruption and it takes time to battle it down. If they give away all money at once the economy will crash form hyper-inflation. They invest into infrastructure, social programs, non-oil sector, environment etc. Why should they give it to our citizens who don’t know what to do with money and would blow it on clothes and cars? None have idea or desire to get into business despite state offering them credits for small businesses, EBBR supports it but they have no clue how to manage small businesses yet – the society needs to reach that level. Only blind and those with agenda can tell that Alievs are using all money for themselves! Are you blind? The faults and drawbacks we are having now are the old Soviet heritage the country is trying to shed off. The process is long and painful… Why is it so difficult to understand?
They need to learn to protest differently. Just like our police needs to learn how not to overreact and behave in a civil manner. Our civil society has a long way to develop.
I too feel sorry for Loreen. She is so gullible!
http://www.thelawyer.com/beyond-oil/1013476.article
this is a non-biased opinion. I hope you will not tell this is propaganda and Alievs have bribed these English Lawyers and businessmen… As you can see we don’t hide form our problems.
what will you say about police in the UK arresting 130 cyclist protesters who tried to breach security during Olympics??? I hope London police has been bashed as much as ours when they tried to ensure stability and security in baku for ESC! I can imagine you guys will be applying double standards here
We seriously need another Lybian Revolution, the Azeri goverment like its Syrian nieghbours need to be put to justice and step down from power, DEMOCRACY AND CIVILISATION NEEDS TO BE RESTORED IN AZERBIAJAN! If not Azerbiajan should be kicked out of any ESC event, its a shame the EBU maybe alowing them to enter JESC 2012 so they can host JESC in 2013, so they can just use it as another propaganda platform, to show other countries they have changed.
Azerbaijan and Belarus to Leave ESC and EBU for good!