Independent media continued struggle against government repression: leading opposition newspaper Yeni Musavat resumed publication under new editor after shutting down several times because of state fines. In Nakhichevan, opposition weekly Monitor ordered to pay $20,000 in libel case brought by government. Etibar Mammadov, chairman of major opposition Azerbaijan National Independence Party, resigned citing repressive, undemocratic government.

International observers said 17 December municipal elections did not conform to democratic standards. Elections boycotted by 3 largest opposition parties. 2005 budget passed with 33% increase in defence spending.

September law on creation of public television broadcaster published; widely criticised, including by Council of Europe, which requested further clarification on its substance. Major opposition newspaper Yeni Musavat suspended daily publication 16 November after failing to pay heavy libel fines. Municipal elections planned for 17 December: opposition parties threatening boycott. Court rejected appeals of 7 opposition leaders sentenced to jail for roles in October 2003 post-election violence.

Court sentenced 7 opposition leaders to prison terms ranging from 2.5 to 5 years for role in October 2003 post-election riots. Rights groups criticised trials, saying suspects tortured in detention. OSCE called sentences “severe”. Thirty-three other opposition members have been similarly sentenced to date for their involvement in 15-16 October 2003 events.

NATO cancelled planned military exercises in Azerbaijan after latter refused to allow participation of Armenian officers. Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) called for release of 7 opposition members on trial for role in protests that followed flawed October 2003 presidential election.

Court upheld government’s July eviction of worshippers from Juma mosque in Baku. Human Rights Watch released report detailing government clampdown on press in aftermath of October 2003 presidential elections. Central Election Commission announced municipal elections to be held 17 December 2004. (See also Nagorno-Karabakh below.)

Authorities closed Juma mosque in Baku and detained dozens of worshippers, saying congregation occupied mosque illegally. Mosque’s imam, Ilgar Ibrahimoglu, prominent government critic. Aydin Guliev, editor of opposition daily, said was abducted my masked men, beaten, and told to cease journalistic activities, while second opposition journalist, Eynulla Fatullayev, attacked by 2 men Baku 26 July. Political manoeuvring behind scenes continued, as Minister of National Security Namik Abbasov dismissed by President Aliyev. (See also Nagorno-Karabakh below.)

Seven jailed Azerbaijani opposition members returned to court 22 June after boycotting hearings. Prisoners charged in connection with October 2003 post- election clashes; claim proceedings biased. Authorities continue to refuse permission for opposition to hold demonstrations in public.

Preliminary hearings underway in trial of 7 prisoners arrested for alleged role in inciting October post- election violence. Prisoners said court biased and boycotted hearings. Opposition Musavat party activist Seyidali Mamedov arrested 2 May - also on charges related to October riots.

No movement on detention of dozens of opposition activists arrested following October 2003 elections.