ASIMKOM: Repression in Azerbaijan Must End!

We, the Association of Azerbaijani Political Emigrants (ASIMKOM), strongly condemn the ongoing crackdown on free speech and independent journalism in Azerbaijan. In recent days, two more journalists – Shamshad Agha and Shahnaz Baylarqizi – have been arrested on baseless charges. As a result, the number of political prisoners in the country has now exceeded 330.

The Azerbaijani authorities’ attempts to silence independent journalists and political opponents once again prove that democratic institutions in the country are being systematically dismantled. Against this backdrop, it is deeply concerning that some circles within the European Union (EU) still harbor illusions that Ilham Aliyev might pursue democratic reforms and seek closer integration with the EU. The reality is that dictators despise democracy and perceive it as the greatest threat to their rule.

We call on the European Union and the international community not to remain indifferent to the ongoing human rights violations in Azerbaijan and to respond appropriately to Ilham Aliyev’s authoritarian policies. Governments committed to democratic values must not stay silent but instead show solidarity with those facing repression in Azerbaijan.

We demand:

•	The immediate release of all jailed journalists and

political prisoners in Azerbaijan;

•	An end to the crackdown

on freedom of speech and fundamental human rights;

•	The EU

and other international organizations to impose strict sanctions on the Azerbaijani government and hold it accountable for its human rights violations.

The European Union must not pursue policies that serve the interests