ODIHR director hails human rights advocate release in KazakhstanFebruary 1, 2012 - 22:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Ambassador Janez Lenarcic, the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), welcomed the decision by a court in Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan, to release human rights defender Yevgeniy Zhovtis, but expressed concern about the continuing clampdown on opposition activities in Kazakhstan in the wake of December’s violence in Zhanaozen and parliamentary elections held in January. “The decision to release Zhovtis is a positive step. But we are worried about the further tightening of the already substantial restrictions on fundamental freedoms that marked the recent parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan,” Lenarcic said. Lenarcic also urged the authorities to conduct full, transparent and independent investigations into the Zhanaozen events and allegations of irregularities during the recent parliamentary elections, The OSCE said in a press release. Zhovtis, a member of the ODIHR Panel of Experts on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly, was convicted in September 2009 to four years in prison for his involvement in a car accident that led to the death of a pedestrian. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |