Like all countries, Azerbaijan certainly presents its own challenges in which to carry out programming. In many ways, Azerbaijan is establishing its own identity, and the establishment of an authentic democracy is no exception. IFES is well known here and garners the respect of the locals. I attribute this in large part to the deeply knowledgeable and committed staff, some of whom have worked with IFES for over a decade.

Working in the IFES DC office provided me with an understanding of program management, but I was eager to get to the field to understand the mechanics of how to implement effective programming. When the opportunity to come to Azerbaijan presented itself to me, I didn’t hesitate. Three weeks later I was on a plane to the Caucasus.

After my arrival in Baku this past July, I witnessed some of the growing pains the country is experiencing as it establishes its new identity. Almost as soon as I arrived, an incident involving two youth activist bloggers took place. It has been followed across the globe, provoking responses by high-ranking officials and human rights activists alike. Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli, bloggers and outspoken critics of the Azerbaijani government, were assaulted by two persons at a local Baku restaurant. Hajizade and Milli filed a complaint in-person with the police, after which they were arrested and held in custody on charges of hooliganism.

Azerbaijani authorities continued to hold the two activists in pre-trial detention over the next three months. Several appeals by the lawyers of the detainees for an open trial were initially denied by the Sabail District Court, the Interior Ministry and the General Prosecutor’s Office. Despite pressure by diplomats and numerous petitions and protests of human rights violations worldwide, the two bloggers were eventually imprisoned.

The NY Times covered the story and suggested the incidence may be a harbinger of future crackdowns against government critics, notably the well-educated and affluent. Increasingly, the youth of Azerbaijan are looking for a voice in the way they are governed. Our Baku Office was recently approached by several youth activist organizations looking to discuss the incident and inform IFES of their intent to participate in upcoming elections.

While there, I attended a party with a variety of politically active youth. One of the guests at the party approached me to inquire more about IFES’ civic education programs geared towards future voters. In reference to our work in the country, he exclaimed, “You’re a freedom fighter!” I admire the Azerbaijani youth in voicing their opinion despite enormous pressures on them.

I remain optimistic about the role of youth in the future of democracy in Azerbaijan, especially in light of the international community which remains committed to supporting them.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/15/world/asia/15azerbaijan.html?_r=1

By Pamela Tsufis*

*Editors note: This field notebook was written in late October shortly after the author's return to DC.