A group of people issued a statement in order to inform international organizations about France’s unjust actions against Azerbaijani social media activists.
Publika.az reports that the statement reads:
“Despite presenting itself as a defender of freedom of speech and expression, France cynically denies dissenting views on its actions.
We call on international organizations to take action against violations of fundamental freedoms. Our protest against France’s neo-colonialism policy in the 21st century is related to the continuous exploitation and enslavement of various peoples. This French policy, including economic exploitation and political interference, shows that it continues its colonial mindset. We object to the following issues:
1. France’s economic policy exploiting the resources of other countries;
2. Political intervention that undermines the sovereignty of those peoples;
3. Supporting separatist movements that disrupt stability in the regions.
After we raised our concerns on social media, we became the target of a coordinated harassment campaign led by the French Cyber Security Agency (VIGINUM), which seriously affected our personal security, professional reputation and freedom of expression.
After VIGINUM’s prejudicial accusations, coordinated pressures and threats were launched against us on social networks. The purposeful disclosure of the information we provided during the registration of our social network accounts put our personal security at risk. These steps of the French state institutions damaged our professional image, gave us moral blows and allowed our dignity to be humiliated.
France has often spoken out against the values it claims to uphold globally. Even if the South Caucasus region is not a French colony, this does not prevent France from interfering in the internal affairs of the region, which causes unrest and instability.
Especially in the sensitive period after the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, France plays a role that has an adverse effect on the outcome. At a time when both countries are taking concrete steps towards signing a peace agreement, France, which once co-chaired the Minsk Group, which was engaged in conflict resolution, instead prefers to support revanchist and separatist elements inside Armenia. France thereby undermines the peace process and further increases regional tensions.
In addition, France provides asylum to persons who have committed crimes against Azerbaijanis and Turks. This support for separatist movements and terrorists runs directly counter to France’s commitment to peace and justice.
We call on international organizations to take action to hold France accountable for its actions. It is important to condemn and take legal action against the suppression of voices exposing French wrongdoing. The international community should oppose any country that undermines basic values such as freedom of speech and expression and the principle of non-interference in the affairs of other countries. These values are an integral part of the civilized world, they are of great importance for maintaining peace and justice in the world.
“By taking a tough stance against these actions of France, international organizations can once again confirm their commitment to the highest values and demonstrate that no country will be allowed to stand in the way of the fight against injustice.”
The statement was signed by Islam Bafadarov, Sarvaz Abbasov, Anar Gaziyev, Fatima Shikhiyeva, Elmeddin Behbud, Ayshan Aslan Mammadli, Samira Talibova, Tajaddin Gozalov, Aygun Jalilzade and Farida Ayyubova.
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