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Fines for unsanctioned protest actions in Azerbaijan increased

02 November 2012 13:18 (UTC +04:00)

The author of the draft law, MP Rafael Jabrayilov said that practices of about 30 countries were studied when these amendments were developed.
Chairman of Great Establishment Party Fazil Mustafa and Umid (Hope) Party Igbal Aghazadeh protested against the proposals on amendments to be made to the law on Freedom of Assembly. But the MPs from YAP supported the proposals. Following the discussions, the issue was put to the vote and adopted. 105 MPs voted for the issue and 5 against it.
According to the proposed amendments to the Criminal Code, AZN 5000-8000 fine is designated, in case organizing, holding or participating in the meetings banned by the legislation, result in the violation of citizensâ€™ rights and legal interests (up to now this fine has been AZN 300).
AZN 5000-8000 fine is also designated for carrying firearms, cold steel, explosives, other substances and items endangering the life and health of the people (up to now this fine has been AZN 100-500). The part on imprisonment in articles 169.1 and 169.2 has been preserved.
AZN 5000-8000 is designated for organizing or actively participating in the actions resulting in the violation of the public order or resistance to the legal demands of the government representative, disrupting the traffic, normal activity of companies and organizations (up to now this fine has been AZN 500).
The proposed amendments distinguish among the responsibilities of individuals, legal entities and officials for unsanctioned protests.