By: Onnik Krikorian

Onnik Krikorian — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 09:19:41 +0000

Well, not good news in both cases, but one thing that struck me — the fact that someone was allowed to video without interference from the police. We’ve had so many problems with police here restricting the work of journalists, photographers and non-government linked video cameramen, it stands out quite significantly.
Admittedly, the situation has vastly improved since the 1 March riots and the subsequent interest from the CE monitoring things in the country, but even so. Still, I guess if that law passes, policemen might also say journalists need their permission? Even without such a law here, they try that line constantly on me and have even broken one lens shade by thrusting a riot shield into my camera when I was trying to shoot.
Regarding the referendum to remove the constitutional restriction on serving more than two terms in office, well, sorry to hear it. We’re led to believe that Aliyev is quite popular in Azerbaijan compared to what I suppose is a relatively non-existent opposition, but even so. I guess it was either this or passing on power to Mehriban, his wife, but I wonder, can this mobilize the opposition in order to prevent the ban being lifted?
Interestingly, another question is linked to the Karabakh negotiations. Forgetting the rhetoric coming out of Baku for now, any settlement based on what we think are the Madrid principles would have to include a referendum in a localized location, in this case, Karabakh. That is prohibited by the Constitution which states referendums have to be held nationwide. Therefore, what I’m interested in is whether any other changes to the Constitution might be included along with lifting the presidential two-term restriction.

Comments on: Constitutional Court at the focus of controversies

By: Onnik Krikorian