USA mark departure from democracy in Azerbaijan

The 2007 report of the US Department of State on situation with human rights fails to register any visible progress in Azerbaijan in this sphere. Moreover, in some aspects there is an obvious swing-back.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent informs that this was stated by Ann Ders, US Ambassador to Azerbaijan during her meeting with Azerbaijani human rights activists.

Ms Ambassador expressed her special concern with the situation in the area of the freedom of speech. "Violent crimes against journalists continue. The committed offences, including assassination of journalist Elmar Guseinov remain unpunished. The number defamation suits have increased. Despite the Pardon Decree passed at the end of last year, several journalists still remain imprisoned," Ms Ders said.

Touching on the restriction of the freedom of assembly, the Ambassador has noted that during the year of elections it causes special anxiety. "The citizens who live in the environment of democracy shall possess the right to freely and peacefully rally and express their political views," Ms Ambassador said.

The report deals with the facts of tortures in military units, police and security bodies - 4 persons died from tortures.

At the same time, the Ambassador has emphasized the positive facts in the report. The Government resettled displaced persons from tent camps into news settlements. "We welcome it," Ms Ambassador noted.