Rachel Denber, Human Rights Watch’s Deputy Director of the Europe and Central Asia Division rejected criticism of the official Baku accusing HWR of unbiased stance.

“It is surprising and disappointing that the Azerbaijani government sees criticism in such a dire, existential framework. When Azerbaijan improves its human rights record that’s to the benefit of everyone, including the government itself. In what way is that aiding its enemies?” Denber said in an interview with TURAN’ Washington DC correspondent.

“Our report was on a crackdown on fundamental rights--freedom of expression, association, and assembly—that’s been under way for the past 18 months. It’s a crackdown that started well over a year ago but intensified as the election drew nearer,” she said.

When asked how should the country improve its human rights record now, she said, first step would be for the government to acknowledge that many of the activists whose cases were very carefully detailed in our report were arrested on flimsy grounds and to release them.