Tag Archives: the european azerbaijan society

Sophie Bridger

Opinion: Human rights and all that jazz

By Sophie Bridger | Wed 1st October 2014 - 2:18 pm

This weekend thousands of Liberal Democrat activists will arrive in Glasgow for the Federal Conference. They’ll debate the major political issues of the day; hold the government to account for its failings and attend the odd fringe meeting. After all, free political discussion and association is a vital element of any modern democracy. But one exhibitor at conference doesn’t agree. The European Azerbaijan Society will be holding  their traditional jazz evening on Sunday, yet this organisation backs the Azerbaijani government that arrests, tortures and jails political activists and human rights campaigners. In Glasgow, activists go to conference. In Azerbaijan, they go to prison.

The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) describes itself as an independent organisation dedicated to forging relationships between Azerbaijan and Europe. In fact, it has has troubling links with the highest echelons of the Azerbaijani dictatorship. Its director, Tale Heydarov, is the son of one of Azerbaijan’s richest and most powerful men (Emergencies Minister Kamaladdin Heydarov). A leaked US diplomatic cable spoke acknowledges that far from being independent,  ‘ talking points very much reflect the goals and objectives of the GOAJ .

Continue reading »
Posted in Op-eds | Also tagged and | 3 Comments
Advert

Recent Comments

  • Peter Davies
    Perhaps the reason that none of our MPs is positioning for a leadership chalenge is that most only became MPs two years ago and don't consider themselves ready ...
  • Neil Sandison
    David Allen the deafening silence . its a bit chicken and egg no ones likely to come forward until a leadership contest is announced and they can demonstrate s...
  • paul barker
    For the first time in two Years Reform are not making Net Gains, of the four Seats where they stood before they lost vote share in three. All that fits with Ref...
  • David Allen
    The deafening silence about who might be a good new LD leader tells its own story. A leadership change is a big opportunity for a party to reposition itself an...
  • Neil Hickman
    For good reason, Town Council byelections normally aren't included. But I think the result in Uckfield West is worth noting. Straight fight between the Lib Dem...