Oslo presentation on how the Council of Europe was captured by Azerbaijan and why we need a BHAG (a Big Hairy Ambitious Goal) and should declare 2015 the year when there will be no political prisoners in Europe. Gerald Knaus from European Stability Initiative gave a strong introduction documenting how the Government of Azerbaijan has managed to manipulate the Council of Europe not to criticize the country in crucial moments, like during the last elections which were massively manipulated and by refusing to adopt a resolution demanding the release of a long list of political prisoners. Just as Azerbaijan assumed the chairmanship of the Council of Europe last week, it convicted eight youth activists to six to eight years in prison for their activities. Currently election monitorer Anar Mammadli, a long time partner of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, is on trial in Baku on politically motivated charges. The credibility of the Council of Europe as a human rights promoting institution is at stake. –Instead of the Council of Europe Changing Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan has changed the Council of Europe, Knaus said in his presentation. This has developed under secretary general Thorbjørn Jaglands watch. In June, there will be elections for the next secretary general, and the two candidates, including Jagland, should be asked what they intend to do to change the urgent situation. (Norwegian Helsinki Committee) nhc.no/no/nyheter/Strong+presentations+at+NHC+breakfast+seminar.b7C_wlnGZ7.ips vimeo/95382690
Posted on: Sat, 17 May 2014 21:14:03 +0000
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