A Whistleblower in Azerbaijan (October 2009)

It is outdated, but this case shows whistleblower's fearful situation in Azerbaijan.

Mahammad Gurbanov, a 55 year old resident of Nakchivan city who was placed in a mental hospital by employees of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Internal Affairs Ministry with second degree disability on September 11, 2009, was finally released on October 10 from the hospital after 29 days in detention.

Gurbanov was a small trader who brought goods from Turkey’s Igdir village and sold them in Nakchivan city. When he was at Diluchu-Sadarak checkpoint last time to enter Azerbaijan, custom officers asked him a bribe for the goods he brought. After Gurbanov declined to pay the bribe, his goods were confiscated and his travel to Turkey was banned. Gurbanov appealed about the actions committed by the custom officers to Nakhchivan’s Customs Committee and Supreme Council. Two days after he appealed, policemen captured him in his house and sent to a psychiatric hospital. He forcefully signed an admission that he was mentally ill. He was not permitted to meet with his family and relatives.

On September 30, Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Democracy and NGO Development Resource Center appealed to international and local Human Rights organizations about Gurbanov’s circumstances.

On October 10, 2009, Mental Health Day, he was finally released from the hospital. He said "I don't have any health problems. I didn't receive any treatment in the hospital, because I didn't need it."

According to Azerbaijan Country Profile from Business Anti-Corruption Portal, it is common for foreign business people to be asked for bribes by customs officials when they cross Azerbaijan borders and total bribes may reach 35% of the value of imported goods. Global Integrity Report 2008 states that whistleblowing system in Azerbaijan is very week. There is no specific law to protect individuals who blow the whistle about fraud and corruption.

Referred Articles

“Whistleblower released from psychiatric hospital,” International Freedom of Expression eXchange, October 14, 2009.

“Human rights defenders in Nakhchivan concerned regarding Mahammad Gurbanov’s situation,” Nakhchivan Human Rights & Mass Media Monitoring, October 1, 2009.

“Another person fighting corruption in Nakhchivan placed in mental asylum,” Azeri Report, September 14, 2009.

“Imprisoned in mental hospital Mahammad Gurbanov is denied the rights to meet his family members,” Azeri Report, September 15, 2009.