November 18, 2011 - 16:52 AMT
France’s Arte TV channel reveals dictatorship in Azerbaijan

A 23-minute report revealing corruption and dictatorship reigning in Azerbaijan as a main hindrance on the way to country’s development, was broadcast on France’s Arte TV channel.

As a representative of Azeri opposition told Arte TV, he was forced to leave the country because of government-initiated repressions.

On November 9, the Bundestag Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid passed a resolution urging Azerbaijan to observe the principles of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

The Committee called on PACE to exert pressure on Azerbaijani government over its hampering the activity of PACE rapporteur on human rights Christoph Strasser.

As a member of the Council of Europe, Azerbaijan must fulfill its obligations, the Committee said.

The Azerbaijani authorities reject existence of political prisoners and deny rapporteur Strasser’s entry to the country. However, according to human rights organizations, there are up to 70 political prisoners in Azerbaijan.