Azerbaijani authorities define venues for rallies

In Azerbaijan, the authorities have published a list of areas and confined spaces, where citizens' mass assemblies may be held. Party activists differ in assessing the published document.

According to Guliev, the deputy chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), the authorities restrict the freedom of assembly; however, in the opinion of Gadjibeili, the advisor to the chairman of the "Musavat" Party, the proposed locations are better than what was offered earlier, which is the result of the active struggle of the opposition and pressure of Western countries.

As noted by Bashir Suleimanly, the executive director of the Centre for Monitoring Elections and Democracy Training (CME&DT), the listed venues are mainly remote and unfrequented places located in cities' periphery. He believes that the restrictions imposed on places, where citizens can enjoy their right to the freedom of assembly, is a violation of the law.

According to Asef Guliev, the chairman of the PFPA, the oppositional National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF) has decided, to avoid confrontation in the pre-election period, to hold only sanctioned actions.

Earlier, Maina Kiai, the UN Special Rapporteur on the freedoms of assembly and association, called on the Azerbaijani authorities to ensure the freedom of assembly.

Let us remind you that voting at the presidential election was appointed by the Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan for October 9 this year.