STATEMENT OF LEADER OF AZERBAIJAN LIBERAL PARTY, PROF. DR. LALA SHEVKET
On the eve of the funeral of the most famous political prisoner, legendary fighter for freedom and equality Nelson Mandela, when the whole world honours his memory, I call upon our government to honour his memory not in words but deeds - IMMEDIATELY FREE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS IN AZERBAIJAN!

Such a step by the government could become not only historical on the way of the country's democratisation, but also a symbolic act in these days connected to Mandela's memory.

In today's world, a state's image is connected not to its energy resources or other economic factors, but to its HUMANISTIC REPUTATION. THIS IS PARAMOUNT!

A state cannot be called democratic if politics prevails over law.
A state cannot be called civilized, for in a civilized state government exists to defend individuals, not suppress them.
A state cannot be called jural, for the main postulate of a jural state is the absolute priority of human rights and liberties.

Existence of political prisoners makes it impossible to call our country civilised, democratic and jural.

Existence of political prisoners in the country is not only a blow to the state's reputation, but it is also the main mistake of the government, which in a historic context will have high cost.

It must not be forgotten that any government is first of all responsible not only to the people, but history as well, and one should not disregard this.

I call on the authorities once more to FREE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS and thus make a step toward the civilised, free and democratic world!

13.12.2013