Azernews.Az

The committees on Legal Policy and State Building and on Human Rights of Azerbaijani Parliament tabled changes to the law On freedom of assembly at a joint meeting on Tuesday.

Member of the committee Rafael Jabrailov, who submitted the changes to the law, said the legislation of Azerbaijan provided administrative action against the organisers of illicit meetings, but not against the participants of these meetings.

"Organisers cannot control everything and be responsible for any member," he said.

He noted that currently fines have had no effect due to their being too small.

The fine is presently from seven to 13 manat. Under the law, if the unauthorised action causes significant damage to the freedom, rights and interests of others, the protesters are fined 300 manat, and organisers 500 manat.

According to amendments to the Criminal Code, organising meetings in cases prohibited by law, conducting or participating in them and if the unauthorised action causes significant damage to the freedom, rights and interests of others, the protesters will be fined 5000 - 8000 manat.

For the use of firearms or knives, explosives and devices at such meetings, as well as other tools and items creating risk of injury to others there will be a fine of 5000-8000 manat (now stands at 100-500 manat).

The chairman of the Committee on Human Rights Rabiyat Aslanova said after the adoption of the law on freedom of assembly, many changes were made to protect human rights.

If the citizens of Azerbaijan are guided by the laws, there will be no fines, Aslanova said.

According to the deputy chairman of the Committee on Legal Policy and State Building Rovshan Rzayev, low fines lead to a repetition of criminal acts.

The committee member Azay Guliyev said the change in the law will increase the responsibility of citizens for their actions. He also expressed regret over the fact that unsanctioned protests have become regular in recent years.

After the end of the meeting, amendments to the law On the freedom of assembly are proposed for discussion in parliament.