Human Rights Watch urges Azeri authorities to release imprisoned activistsSeptember 1, 2011 - 19:24 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Azerbaijani courts sentenced a human rights defender to three years in prison following a flawed trial on dubious charges of interference with parliamentary elections, Human Rights Watch said September 1. Separately, six other opposition activists were sentenced to terms of up to three years following unfair trials over their role in anti-government protests. The Azerbaijani authorities should end its crackdown on critics of the government and release the imprisoned activists, Human Rights Watch said. These trumped-up charges and flawed trials show how this government operates to silence critical voices, the organisation’s official website reported. Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | idcoin: New tool in IDBank’s loyalty system IDBank has announced the launch of idcoin, a new tool in the customer loyalty system. U.S., Armenia sign customs deal According to Armenian customs data, U.S.-Armenian trade reached $670 million last year. Glendale mayor to visit Yerevan Asatryan last visited Armenia in December 2022-January 2023 as she helped establish a partnership between Armenia’s Opera House and Los Angeles Opera. Ucom’s fixed network launches in Nor Hachn City residents will be able to use fixed-line Internet, mobile communications and television in one package at more affordable prices. |