One of the organizers had written a text about the situation of the feminist demonstration that took place in Baku on 20 October which we read at the event on 28th of October.
The text by a feminist from Baku
According to revealed statistic every year more than 100 women dying and thousands of women injuring because of gender based violence. Most of the cases occur because of the negligent behavior of state bodies such as police and court. The media had revealed 12 cases of violence against women over the last 5 days. 4 of the victims were died.
Because of these facts of the violence, feminists in Azerbaijan organized march in the center of Baku on 20 October. The purpose of the march was to draw the attention of the public and the state to the problem of violence against women and to prevent violence against women. The main requirement of the march was the adoption and ratification of the Istanbul Convention(*) by the Azerbaijani government. According to the “The Law Of The Republic Of Azerbaijan On Freedom Of Assembly”, the organizers of march notified in advance the relevant body of Executive Power in written, but the Executive Power responded that it does not considered the march expedient. According to the law, organizers of any assembly have to only notify the Executive Power, but not ask the permition. However, this law has been interpreted in Azerbaijan, and the Executive Power consider themselves entitled to authorize or deny the action.
The day before, the police threatened the event organizers by calling them or visiting at home. The rally took place despite the unjustified ban of the Executive and the threats of the police. There were about 150 participants in the march. The main slogans of the march were: “Stop the violence! Do not tolerate violence! ” and ” Do not kill women, do not reject the Convention! ” Couple hours before the march, there were hundreds of police in the center of Baku. At 15.00, when participants came together police demanded from participants do not start the march. The protesters continued shouted slogans, after that police tried brutally dispersed participants. Dozens of participants were injured and detained. Rest of the protesters continued shouting slogans and read the statement in the siege. The next day, police again visited one of the organizers home. The door was open, and police entered the house without permission and threatened family of the organizer including pregnant woman. Moreover police contacted the families of some participants and were threatened them as well.
At present, the protesters are planning to apply to the court because of violation their right to hold peaceful protests.
* Istanbul Convention: Council of Europe Convention for the Prevention and Suppression of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, international treaty drawn up in 2011, creates binding legal norms against violence against women and domestic violence.
Event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1136124123253858/