“The right of citizens to peacefully change their government was restricted in the October 2008 presidential election, March referendum, and December municipal elections,” reads the 2009 Human Right Report on Azerbaijan issued by U.S. Department of State.

According to the report, at least four people died as a result of torture and beating of persons in police and military custody. “Prison conditions were generally harsh and life threatening. Arbitrary arrest and detention, particularly of individuals considered by the government to be political opponents, and lengthy pretrial detention continued. The government continued to imprison persons for politically motivated reasons. Pervasive corruption, including in the judiciary and law enforcement, continued. Restrictions on freedom of assembly continued, particularly in terms of political organizing, peaceful protests, and religious activity. Restrictions and pressure on the media and restrictions on political participation worsened. The government imposed restrictions on the activities of some unregistered Muslim and Christian groups and local officials abused some members and congregations. Cases of violence against women were also reported. Trafficking in persons for sexual exploitation and forced labor remained a problem,” the Human Rights Report says.