Century of freedom not to see
In Azerbaijan, the press is not free, and the internet is free only in part. This is stated in the report of the Freedom House, reports “Regnum”.
“The country is seeking positioning itself as a leader in communications technology (ICT) in the region. Activity in this area has increased significantly in 2011 that stimulated the authorities to strengthen control over the environment, which remains the main source of information for the most citizens. Internet is now relatively available for legal entities and individuals in urban areas, but outside of cities is limited. The connection quality is very low. As rule, the authorities do not censor online content, but in 2011 there were cases of blocking of several opposition websites, including Radio “Liberty”.
In addition, there were numerous arrests, harassment and cases of intimidation and violence against activists for organizing demonstrations or criticism of the government in social networks, especially since the beginning “Arab Spring” in early 2011. In many cases, the activists had imprisoned on fabricated charges: drug possession, disorderly conduct, etc.,” – said in report.
The document also notes that in 2012, authorities intensified shadowing mobile phones by installing special equipment at mobile providers. In late 2011, ADSL-connection speeds of 1 Mbps, cost 15 AZN (US $ 20), which is 4-5% of the average wage. These prices are still out of reach for many Azerbaijanis, because the average salary is 356 manats (US $ 456, 4).
“Azerbaijan has no independent regulatory authority for the telecommunications sector, and the Ministry of Communications has a monopoly on the granting of licenses Internet providers. After the journalists and activists who criticize the government, became often to use the internet, the Azerbaijani authorities have strengthened measures to suppress opposition voices by arresting users and also by intimidation.
Some state universities have threatened to students by problems if they show the political activity on the Internet. Authorities attempted to discredit social media, criticizing them and saying that they threaten the health of the people,” – noted human rights activists.
“The legislation allows law enforcement bodies monitor private communications and observe without a court order, when it is necessary” to prevent serious crimes against the state. “This formulation gives the opportunity for abuse to the Ministries of Internal Affairs and National Security, which control the phone and Internet services people. Particular criticism has caused that largest mobile operator in Azerbaijan, has provided these structures equipped to monitor mobile communications, including phone text messages and phone calls without a court order,” – the document says.
Azerbaijan recognizes by the Freedom House not free country the fifth year consecutively but the attitude of the authorities thereon does not change. So, once again, head of the department for social and political issues of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan Ali Hasanov said that the Freedom House annual report on the situation of human rights in the world like an NGO report, prepared on the basis of subjective judgments.
Response of A. Hasanov is not surprising, since he lives in another house.
This post is also available in: Russian
