Freedom House annual report: Azerbaijan still ‘Not Free’

Freedom House international human rights organization released its traditional annual report on freedom in the world. Azerbaijan maintained its ‘Not Free’ status, scoring 16 out of the total 100 points and was rated 189th among 211 states and non-recognized regions.

Particular attention in the report is drawn to September 2016 referendum in Azerbaijan. As it is pointed out in the report, President Aliyev further strengthened presidential powers in the country through introduction of constitutional amendments. Meanwhile, Azerbaijani opposition termed those amendments as ‘reactionary’.

According to the report, the situation in Azerbaijan is worse than that in Cuba, China and Iran. At the same time, Azerbaijan’s neighbors, Armenia and Georgia’, were ranked among ‘Partly Free’ countries.

Official Baku has not responded to the Freedom House’ new report yet. However, in September last year, President Aliyev referred to this organization as being ‘lucrative and pro-Armenian’.