Ali Hasanov: "The law on freedom of peaceful assembly needs improving"

"We appealed to the Council of Europe's Venice Commission for the improvement of the law on freedom of peaceful assembly. Probably, trainings are needed for application of this law in the country or probably, the opposition is not right by demanding the guarantee of the right. Or probably, Baku Mayor's Office is not right by restricting their rights. These offers are on the agenda, and we asked for discussing these offers," head of President's Office sociopolitical department Ali Hasanov told journalists.

Commenting on the issues discussed at the roundtable organized by OSCE on the experience of freedom peaceful assembly between the Azerbaijani government and the international community, Mr. Hasanov said this roundtable was organized by OSCE Office in Baku, and it put forward several offers.

"The discussions have brought together experts from the Azerbaijani government and OSCE. I think it will decide on establishing a joint working group," he said.

The government official also said the working group can be composed of government, international experts and also independent lawyers. According to him, the function of the working group will be to prepare offers to the government with regard to improvement of the law on freedom of peaceful assembly, APA reports.

"The government is discussing the offers on making amendments to this law. Discussion is a positive nuance. The government admits some problems on this law and ready to make efforts to improve it. Organizing issues and ideas are being discussed," Hasanov said.

The department chief also said such discussions will be held with the Venice Commission. It is not known whether these discussions will be organized in Baku or in Europe.