Action to protect the rights of activist Rustamzade arrested in Azerbaijan held in London

On June 13, partners of Azerbaijani human rights center “Art for Democracy”, international organizations for freedom of expression "Article 19" and "Index on Censorship" organized “Harlem Shake” action in front of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Great Britain in London. The action was aimed to express protest against detention of young activist Ilkin Rustamzade in Azerbaijan for organizing a dancing “Harlem Shake” flashmob, the organizers’ press release received by the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent runs.

During the action participant of the company "Art for Democracy" Rebecca Vincent expressed concern that human rights situation in Azerbaijan is changing for the worse on the eve of the forthcoming presidential election in December. “International community, including the British Government, must pay attention to this situation and take steps to protect human rights”, Vincent said.

Executive Director of "Article 19" Agnes Kalamar emphasized that “Ilkin Rustamzade’s arrest is a link in the chain of political arrests in Azerbaijan”. “Journalists and people of art, members of political opposition are prosecuted for criticism”, Kalamar added.

The participants of the action handed a resolution demanding release of Rustamzade and other young activists to the Embassy of Azerbaijan.