Amnesty slams Azerbaijan’s human rights record as Formula 1 hits BakuJune 16, 2016 - 14:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Amnesty International has called on Formula One to put pressure on Azeri authorities to improve their human rights record, The Guardian reports. Kerry Moscogiuri, director of campaigns at Amnesty International UK, said: “The arrival of Formula One in Baku must not steer attention away from the Azerbaijani authorities’ human rights crackdown. “Behind the glitz the authorities are locking up their critics, have shut down NGOs and arrested or harassed their leaders. The recent release of some of those jailed on trumped-up charges should not fool anyone into thinking that the wind in Baku is blowing in a different direction. “Azerbaijan has courted big international sports events to improve its image abroad and the Grand Prix is no different. While the world’s fastest drivers take to the streets of Baku in this spectacle of speed, there are many who will not be able to enjoy the show. “F1 is in pole position to influence positive change in Azerbaijan. We would like to see them publicly urge President Aliyev to end this crackdown and free all prisoners of conscience.” This month Sports for Rights campaign co-ordinator Rebecca Vincent, while not asking for the race to be cancelled, did ask Formula One’s chief executive, Bernie Ecclestone, to become involved. She said: “We have called on Bernie Ecclestone to publicly speak out on human rights issues in Azerbaijan and to call for the release of political prisoners. We wrote him an open letter and there has not been a public response yet.” 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 | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |