September 2013
Azerbaijan: Free prisoners of conscience
As Azerbaijan prepares to hold Presidential elections on 9 October, the crackdown on free speech is intensifying.
Since the official campaigning for the election began a month ago, we have identified 14 new prisoners of conscience - including an opposition candidate, youth activists and human rights defenders.
Dissenting voices in the country are frequently targeted with trumped-up criminal charges, assault, harassment, or blackmail. Now, with this crackdown intensifying we need you to act.
What you can doWe're asking you to write to President Ilham Aliyev, urging him to release all prisoners of conscience and to ensure that the authorities respect the rights to free speech, association and assembly. Please write soon so that your letter arrives before the elections.
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Write for Rights: Order your materials
A simple card or letter brings hope and comfort to those suffering human rights abuses. Every year, during November and December we ask you to send a personal message to one or more of the individuals and communities featured in our Write for Rights campaign.
Resources for this year's campaign, including a full campaign booklet, posters and map of cases featured are now available to pre-order.
Please note materials will not be issued until the campaign launches on 1 November.
Download the order form (PDF)
