Human rights activists appealed to the participants of "Eurovision"

Organizers and participants of "Eurovision" were called to demand to the authorities of Azerbaijan to end repressions.

While the government is working hard to promote a positive international image of Azerbaijan ahead of next week's Eurovision Song Contest, the most watched non-sporting event in the world, authorities continue to engage in a crackdown on free expression and other fundamental freedoms at home.

In its report, "Running Scared: Azerbaijan's Silenced Voices", the International Partnership Group for Azerbaijan, a coalition of international rights groups coordinated by ARTICLE 19, categorises the current freedom of expression situation in Azerbaijan as "alarming".

The document says about attacks on journalists and their arrests, about a ban on protests and the use of excessive force to disperse rallies and demonstrations, about political prisoners and the lack of independent media in the country.

For these reasons, the International Partnership is calling on the organiser of the contest, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which has so far stayed silent on Azerbaijan's free expression record, to hold the authorities accountable for their actions.

The human rights activists ask to sign the petition if you believe that singers attending the Eurovision Song Contest on 22-26 May should show support for the protection of human rights and civil liberties in Azerbaijan.