The rights group Amnesty International has called for the "immediate and unconditional" release of Azerbaijani opposition politicians, journalists, and human rights activists imprisoned in what it called "a preelection crackdown on dissenting voices."
Amnesty said in a statement on August 8 that at least 14 new prisoners of conscience were rounded up ahead the country's presidential election scheduled for October 9.
Amnesty highlighted the cases of prospective presidential candidate Ilgar Mammadov, journalists Tofig Yagublu and Hilal Mammadov, youth activists Dashgin Melikov and Ilkin Rustamzade, rights activist Bakhtiyar Mammadov, whistle-blower Ilham Amiraslanov, and seven members of the pro-democracy youth group NIDA.
President Ilham Aliyev is running for a third five-year term.
Azerbaijan's opposition has accused Aliyev of concentrating the country's wealth in the hands of his family, and abusing human rights.
Amnesty said in a statement on August 8 that at least 14 new prisoners of conscience were rounded up ahead the country's presidential election scheduled for October 9.
Amnesty highlighted the cases of prospective presidential candidate Ilgar Mammadov, journalists Tofig Yagublu and Hilal Mammadov, youth activists Dashgin Melikov and Ilkin Rustamzade, rights activist Bakhtiyar Mammadov, whistle-blower Ilham Amiraslanov, and seven members of the pro-democracy youth group NIDA.
President Ilham Aliyev is running for a third five-year term.
Azerbaijan's opposition has accused Aliyev of concentrating the country's wealth in the hands of his family, and abusing human rights.
