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Human rights activist: The Azerbaijani government should take serious steps for the abolition of the post of rapporteur on political prisoners

04 February 2011 12:29 (UTC +04:00)

Novella Jafaroglu said the visit to Strasbourg was very successful, a number of important meetings were held within the framework of the winter session. The human rights activist said some media reports were biased.
â€œSome human rights activists are not frank. We are accused of reporting to MP Samad Seyidov while having tea in Strasbourg. I support the normalization of authorities-opposition relations, formation of normal relations in the society. Some problems are solved during frank talks. Leyla Yunus has no right to criticize me or any other human rights activist. Do you know how many prisoners have been released due to our efforts? Leyla Yunus must say what she has done,â€ she said.

Saida Gojamanli said media must stop campaign against them.
â€œWe informed PACE leadership about our position on the protection of citizensâ€™ rights, release of journalist Eynulla Fatulayev, chairman of Yeni fikir movement Ruslan Bashirli and others. We also met with the head of AGO group,â€ she said.
Saida Gojamanli also criticized the activity of PACE rapporteur on political prisoners in Azerbaijan Christoph Strasser.
â€œWe wanted to meet with him during the winter session, but he did not offer opportunities. I objected to his appointment as rapporteur on political prisoners two years ago. Christoph Strasser has no information about Azerbaijan, he has never come to Azerbaijan,â€ she said.
Seadet Benenyarli said the members of the Human Rights Organizations Monitoring Group will attend the discussions on Azerbaijan that will be held prior to the summer session of PACE in June.
â€œAs the tenure of the rapporteur on political prisoners in Azerbaijan Christoph Strasser will expire in April, the new rapporteur will be appointed. I think that the government should think about it and take serious steps for the abolition of this post,â€ she said.