OSCE Office in Baku issues statement on conclusion of opposition leaders trial
(OSCE/Astrid Senheitel)Protesters took over an interior ministry truck and ran over several police officers during clashes in Baku's Azadliq Square on 16 October 2003, the day after presidential election. (OSCE/Astrid Senheitel) Photo details
BAKU, 22 October 2004 - The Office in Baku issued the following statement today:
"The OSCE Office in Baku welcomes the end of the trials of the final group of defendants, arraigned on charges arising out of civil disturbances during the post Presidential Election period that began many months ago.
"The Office is, nonetheless, deeply concerned by the severity of the sentences awarded in the Court judgements passed today. The OSCE observations will be represented in a report on the proceedings which is currently being compiled and will be discussed with the Azerbaijani Government shortly.
"In the direct aftermath of the Presidential Election that was held on 15 October 2003, two violent clashes took place between security forces and opposition supporters. The trials of all persons charged with criminal offences in connection with those violent clashes were monitored under the auspices of the OSCE Trial Monitoring Programme. This looked into their compliance with national and international standards on the right to a fair trial.
"Notwithstanding any concerns, the verdict in this case marks the long-awaited end of an unfortunate chapter for Azerbaijan. It should be seen as an opportunity to move on toward the development of a political environment which supports pluralism, fair democratic competition and dialogue between parties."
"The OSCE Office in Baku welcomes the end of the trials of the final group of defendants, arraigned on charges arising out of civil disturbances during the post Presidential Election period that began many months ago.
"The Office is, nonetheless, deeply concerned by the severity of the sentences awarded in the Court judgements passed today. The OSCE observations will be represented in a report on the proceedings which is currently being compiled and will be discussed with the Azerbaijani Government shortly.
"In the direct aftermath of the Presidential Election that was held on 15 October 2003, two violent clashes took place between security forces and opposition supporters. The trials of all persons charged with criminal offences in connection with those violent clashes were monitored under the auspices of the OSCE Trial Monitoring Programme. This looked into their compliance with national and international standards on the right to a fair trial.
"Notwithstanding any concerns, the verdict in this case marks the long-awaited end of an unfortunate chapter for Azerbaijan. It should be seen as an opportunity to move on toward the development of a political environment which supports pluralism, fair democratic competition and dialogue between parties."