[governance] On the eve of IGF Azerbaijani parliament proposes to toughen legislation surrounding freedom of assembly

[Narine Khachatryan]

 *On the eve of IGF Azerbaijani parliament proposes to toughen legislation
surrounding freedom of assembly *

On Tuesday, October 23 Azerbaijani parliamentarians suggested to toughen
the legislation surrounding freedom of assembly in the country, Caucasus
Elections Watch wrote. (
http://electionswatch.org/2012/10/30/ahead-of-presidential-elections-in-2013-azerbaijani-government-proposes-to-toughen-legislation-on-public-protests/
). During a joint  session held by parliamentary committees for “Legal
Policy and State building”, and “Human Rights” parliamentarians expressed
their concerns that so-called “unauthorised actions”, which have been on
the rise in recent years in Azerbaijan,  have had a negative impact on
Azerbaijan’s international image. This trend, the  lawmakers say, is likely
 a result of the fact that the penalties are not a big enough deterrent for
protesters.The lawmakers suggested to increase the fines for participating
in unsanctioned mobilizations up  to 5000 and 8000 manat  (up to 7-9
thousand USD).  The proposed amendments to be sent to parliament for
further deliberation.

Opposition argues these amendments do not comply with country’s obligations
before Council of Europe and OSCE,  contradict the European Convention on
Human Rights and Freedoms, the OSCE Copenhagen Document, the Council of
Europe’s basic principles on freedom of expression and freedom of
association.  Read more…

http://electionswatch.org/2012/10/30/ahead-of-presidential-elections-in-2013-azerbaijani-government-proposes-to-toughen-legislation-on-public-protests/#more-961

Narine Khachatryan
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