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AMNESTY WARNS RIHANNA, SHAKIRA AGAINST CONCERTS IN AZERBAIJAN
PanARMENIAN.Net
October 8, 2012 - 18:06 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Human rights group Amnesty International urged pop
stars Rihanna and Shakira on Friday, October 5 to open their eyes to
recent arrests of journalists, bloggers and activists in Azerbaijan,
before their performances in the former Soviet republic this month,
The Express Tribune said.
Amnesty and Sing for Democracy said in a joint letter that it wanted
to draw the singers' attention to human rights and freedom of speech
issues in Azerbaijan.
"Both singers should be aware of the situation in the country
post-Eurovision," the letter said, referring to the singing contest in
the Azeri capital of Baku in May, which spurred protests and rallies
by Azeris demanding democracy.
Authorities in Baku arrested dozens of protesters in May and have
since arrested several journalists and political activists.
"We Found Love" singer Rihanna, 24, is scheduled to perform in Baku on
Saturday. "Hips Don't Lie" singer Shakira, 35, is performing in Baku
for football organisation FIFA's U-17 Women's World Cup on October 13,
and at another venue in the capital on October 14.
International rights groups often have criticised Azerbaijan for
curbing public dissent, while the government in Baku says Azerbaijanis
enjoy full freedom of speech.
"Amnesty International believes that the Azerbaijani government should
afford all artists, journalists, activists and ordinary citizens the
right to express themselves freely without fear of reprisal. We hope
that you share our belief," said the letter to Rihanna and Shakira.
Representatives for both singers did not immediately return calls
for comment.
From: A. Papazian
PanARMENIAN.Net
October 8, 2012 - 18:06 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - Human rights group Amnesty International urged pop
stars Rihanna and Shakira on Friday, October 5 to open their eyes to
recent arrests of journalists, bloggers and activists in Azerbaijan,
before their performances in the former Soviet republic this month,
The Express Tribune said.
Amnesty and Sing for Democracy said in a joint letter that it wanted
to draw the singers' attention to human rights and freedom of speech
issues in Azerbaijan.
"Both singers should be aware of the situation in the country
post-Eurovision," the letter said, referring to the singing contest in
the Azeri capital of Baku in May, which spurred protests and rallies
by Azeris demanding democracy.
Authorities in Baku arrested dozens of protesters in May and have
since arrested several journalists and political activists.
"We Found Love" singer Rihanna, 24, is scheduled to perform in Baku on
Saturday. "Hips Don't Lie" singer Shakira, 35, is performing in Baku
for football organisation FIFA's U-17 Women's World Cup on October 13,
and at another venue in the capital on October 14.
International rights groups often have criticised Azerbaijan for
curbing public dissent, while the government in Baku says Azerbaijanis
enjoy full freedom of speech.
"Amnesty International believes that the Azerbaijani government should
afford all artists, journalists, activists and ordinary citizens the
right to express themselves freely without fear of reprisal. We hope
that you share our belief," said the letter to Rihanna and Shakira.
Representatives for both singers did not immediately return calls
for comment.
From: A. Papazian