The Referendum in Azerbaijan can Become a Reason for Bringing the Authorities of the Country Back to the Reality

• 08.22.2016, 17:29
• Greta Avetisyan
•  Region,  "Insight" Analytical Center ,  World

It is pre-referendum moods in Azerbaijan in these days and it has become a reason for another shock for the society of the country. The authorities of the country not only actively carry out their campaign for constitutional reforms, but also with all possible means try to silence those, who have opposite position. A new wave of repressions has started against those activists, who call people to vote against the constitutional changes. They are being accused of drug trafficking, assault, illegal entrepreneurship, unconstitutional activities, etc.

This new wave of repressions have already appeared at the center of attention of the international community. After the arrest of the Executive Secretary of the Republican Alternative Movement (ReAl) on August 12, the US State Department expressed its concerns over the created situation in Azerbaijan. These repressions were also criticized by several human rights organizations.

Of course, it is good that the international community is at least not indifferent towards various repressions against people, but it is also obvious that only expressing concern is not enough. It is already many years that Azerbaijan's "caviar diplomacy" and petrodollars solve lots of questions on the international arena. Today as well, despite much criticism, the Azerbaijani authorities with confidence carry out their policy, in all means showing their society that they are ready to resort to anything to fulfill their aims. In this case the aim is to make changes in the constitution to concentrate the power in the hands of Aliyev and to strengthen the positions of his clan.

Maybe September 26 referendum will become the reason, which will give the international community an "opportunity", by carrying out concrete and targeted actions, to bring the Azerbaijani authorities back to the reality - authorities, who are so proud of their "democracy".