Amnesty warns Rihanna, Shakira against concerts in AzerbaijanOctober 8, 2012 - 18:06 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Human rights group Amnesty International urged pop stars Rihanna and Shakira on Friday, October 5 to open their eyes to recent arrests of journalists, bloggers and activists in Azerbaijan, before their performances in the former Soviet republic this month, The Express Tribune said. Amnesty and Sing for Democracy said in a joint letter that it wanted to draw the singers’ attention to human rights and freedom of speech issues in Azerbaijan. “Both singers should be aware of the situation in the country post-Eurovision,” the letter said, referring to the singing contest in the Azeri capital of Baku in May, which spurred protests and rallies by Azeris demanding democracy. Authorities in Baku arrested dozens of protesters in May and have since arrested several journalists and political activists. “We Found Love” singer Rihanna, 24, is scheduled to perform in Baku on Saturday. “Hips Don’t Lie” singer Shakira, 35, is performing in Baku for football organisation FIFA’s U-17 Women’s World Cup on October 13, and at another venue in the capital on October 14. International rights groups often have criticised Azerbaijan for curbing public dissent, while the government in Baku says Azerbaijanis enjoy full freedom of speech. “Amnesty International believes that the Azerbaijani government should afford all artists, journalists, activists and ordinary citizens the right to express themselves freely without fear of reprisal. We hope that you share our belief,” said the letter to Rihanna and Shakira. Representatives for both singers did not immediately return calls for comment. 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 | Russia provides info about arrested Armenian ex-MP Russian law enforcement agencies have provided information about the arrest of Tigran Urikhanyan. Lemkin Institue slams Pashinyan's “cryptic engagement with Genocide denial” The Lemkin Institute is alarmed over Pashinyan’s statements “questioning Armenia's legal basis to pursue justice against Turkey”. 41 detained as antigovernment protests continue in Yerevan 41 people were detained in Yerevan as people demanding Pashinian’s resignation stage campaigns of civil disobedience. Armenia votes for UN resolution granting Palestine new rights The U.N. General Assembly voted by a wide margin on May 10 to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine. |