Freedom House urges Azerbaijan to end harassment of lawyersNovember 4, 2016 - 12:38 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An international human rights watchdog has called on the Azerbaijani government to stop what it calls the harassment of two lawyers known for representing political prisoners, RFE/RL reports. Robert Herman, vice president for international programs at the U.S.-based NGO Freedom House, said in a November 3 statement that the Azerbaijani government "should end its campaign of innuendo and threats against Elchin Sadiqov and Fariz Namazli, two of the few lawyers in the country who dare to represent political prisoners and bring attention to government wrongdoing." Herman added that "the [Azerbaijani] government should stop mistreating lawyers for conducting their professional duties." A pro-government media outlet in Azerbaijan posted articles on its website on November 2 accusing Sadiqov of being romantically involved with the wife of one of his clients. Sadiqov said he also received violent threats while at the Interior Ministry and his wife, lawyer Zubeyda Sadiqova, has also received threats recently in regard to her husband's work. Also on November 2, Namazli was told a complaint had been filed against him alleging that he assaulted someone while in court on October 20, in an incident during which Namazli himself had been the victim of an unprovoked attack. Azerbaijan is rated as "Not Free" in Freedom House's overall freedom and media freedom indexes. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |