Azernews.Az

Perception that many are afraid to voice political views rose in 2007 in the countries of the former Soviet bloc, according to a Gallup poll.
In 10 of 14 former Soviet republics surveyed, residents' likelihood to say most or many people in their country are afraid to openly express their political views rose significantly between 2006 and 2007. In seven countries, the proportion responding this way now represents a majority.
The most dramatic increases occurred in Georgia and Lithuania; in each country residents were about twice as likely in 2007 as they were in 2006 to say many or most of their fellow citizens are afraid to express their political views. But substantial increases were also seen in countries where this perception was already common. In Tajikistan and Armenia, for example, the figures rose from about half of residents to about 7 in 10. In Armenia, which was rated second, the number of people who fear to voice political views increased from 49% to 69%, Gallup said.
Azerbaijan was rated fourth in the list. The figure rose in the country from 48% in 2006 to 60% in 2007.
Moldova and Uzbekistan were also cited among the mentioned seven countries.
The group also said that in several of the countries where freedom of expression ratings have dropped, it's possible to identify specific trends or events that reflect an ongoing climate of fear and intimidation.
Kyrgyzstan was the only former Soviet state in which fewer residents said many or most people are afraid to express their political opinions in 2007 (33%) than in 2006 (45%).
The survey results are based on face-to-face interviews conducted in 2006 and 2007 with some 1,000 residents. Uzbekistan was not included in the 2006 poll.