HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD OF AZERBAIJAN IN 2002 EXTREMELY UNSATISFACTORY, HELSINKI CIVIL ASSEMBLY AZERI COMMITTEE LEADER CONSIDERS

PanARMENIAN.Net - Chairman of the Azeri committee of the Helsinki Civil Assembly Arzu Abdulaeva gave an extremely negative estimate to the human rights record of Azerbaijan in 2002. As reported by "Arminfo" agency referring to "Turan," she first of all noted arresting people during political meetings among human rights violations. The laws passed in that field by the country parliament only create a semblance of compliance with European standards, while in practice serving the interests of the ruling elite, the human rights proponent emphasized. Arzu Abdulaeva also mentioned facts of putting pressure upon independent press by the authorities. Speaking of TV channels, all of them, including those considered independent, are under the influence of the authorities, the Helsinki Civil Assembly Azeri committee chairman thinks.