Azernews.Az

The law on countering domestic violence that has long been under public limelight in Azerbaijan was finally put on discussion in the Milli Majlis (parliament) on Tuesday, sparking a heated debate. The bill has now been reworked, Parliament Speaker Ogtay Asadov has said.
The bill failed to make its way through parliament and was taken off the agenda several years ago, with legislators saying it challenged the family model in Azerbaijani society. This time, differences were still clearly seen among the MPs during discussions on the issue.
Rabiyyat Aslanova, chairwoman of the parliamentary committee on human rights, said domestic violence is a problem encountered in all countries and is now considered a violation of the law.
"Therefore, one cannot remain indifferent to the problem. Those committing domestic violence crimes must definitely face due action. And this draft law serves that very purpose," Aslanova said.
MP Rafael Jabrayilov said "the philosophy" behind the draft law was acceptable and envisions upholding the Azerbaijani family model.
Another lawmaker, Gular Ahmadova, said she approved of the latest version of the domestic violence law.
The MP went on to say that there are some Azerbaijani girls who are drawn to prostitution by their mothers or siblings, therefore, the law under discussion should envisage the protection of their rights as well.
Lawmaker Elmira Akhundova, for her part, said domestic violence cases have increased in Azerbaijan. According to her, lately 70-80 percent of cases reviewed at the presidential amnesty commission have been related to domestic violence. In most cases, she said, victims of such abuse die of physical assaults.
MP Siyavush Novruzov said the law is not related to women’s rights alone. He said there are currently "quite a few men who are beaten up in the kitchen". "So, who will stand up for their rights?" Novruzov queried.
Zahid Oruj, another parliament member, said it was impossible to equate the two sexes while adopting a certain law in parliament. "Though equality between men and women is a progressive idea, Allah created men somewhat superior to women."
MP Aynur Guliyeva disagreed with her male counterparts, saying mostly women are affected by violence at home. Referring to official figures, she said as many as 17,350 domestic violence-related crimes have been perpetrated against women in the past three years, with 11,389 of the offenses degrading the victim’s personality.
"These figures are ample grounds for concern," Guliyeva added.
She said, further, that, in addition to passing the domestic violence law, there should be more public attention to the education of girls. The lawmaker explained the need by the fact that uneducated women with no specialties, who have limited opportunities to earn a living and, hence, depend on men, are the most frequent victims of spousal abuse.
The law was adopted in the first hearing following the debate, which was attended by representatives of the OSCE Office in Baku and the Council of Europe representation in the country.*