18:42, 14 July 2016

"Civil Society Platform" accuses Azerbaijani authorities of its problems with holding events

The refusal of the International Press Centre (IPC) to provide room for a roundtable is of political nature, and it restricts freedom of assembly. This was stated by the "Civil Society Platform" (CSP). The IPC claims lack of vacant premises.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on February 10, it was announced on establishment of a public association, which included human rights defenders, advocates, journalists, and economic experts. Founders claimed no political objectives of the public association.

"Given the fact that the IPC is owned by the persons close to the presidential administration of Azerbaijan, it is clear that it is a political order not to provide us with premises," said human rights defender Samir Kazymly, a member of the CSP.

According to him, the "Civil Society Platform" treats the IPC's refusal as "intolerance of alternative views, discrimination on political grounds, and violation of fundamental freedoms."

Members of the CSP report that they will hold the event, despite the problems with the search for premises.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.

Author: Faik Medzhid

Source: CK correspondent