Crushing Dissent:
Repression, Violence and Azerbaijan’s Elections

SUMMARY

RECOMMENDATIONS

BACKGROUND: THE CENTRALIZATION OF THE PRESIDENTIAL POWER IN AZERBAIJAN

PRE-ELECTION ABUSES

The Bias of the Central Election Commission
Obstruction of Local Rallies
Official Violence and Intimidation
Restrictions on Monitoring Efforts
October 15, 2003: Election Day Fraud


POST-ELECTION VIOLENCE

Unprovoked Attack on Musavat Headquarters
Violence at Azadliq (“Freedom”) Square


POST-ELECTION ARRESTS

Torture of Opposition Leaders at the Organized Crime Unit (OCU)
Arrests and Abuse of Regional Opposition Chairpersons and Activists, and Election Officials and Observers
Arrest and Abuse of Election Officials and Observers
Arbitrary Arrest and Abuse of Opposition Officials and Members


DISMISSALS OF OPPOSITION MEMBERS, AND PRESSURE TO DENOUNCE MEMBERSHIP IN THE OPPOSITION

THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

Acknowledgements

January 2004     Vol. 16, No. 1(D)