As you might know, private television channels are forbidden by the law in Iran. In general, power-holders are really touchy about any media that could challenge their authority. […]

However, presidential elections in Iran are a chance for people to find out about diverse, mostly dissident political views in the state-run TV and get relieved from the official political propaganda that could not be cornier. Candidates are allotted equal time to talk about their plans with the citizens in television. […]

I wish [we] had a presidential election everyday in Iran! The sense of freedom is really great!

Well, the same thing we witness here, in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The only difference is that at least in theory we have some private-owned channels – though they broadcast either more pro-government propaganda, or complete trash as very low-budget entertainment shows. Even on 30th April, when a gunmen entered State Oil Academy and gunned down 12 people before killing himself, Azeri TV channels were covering President’s official visit to Belgium or live translation of two pop stars singing some joyful songs. Such a tragedy and the first Azeri TV channel gives the news only after the last Azeri picks it from text messages.

And neither diverse, nor dissident views on TV – neither state-run, nor private. Only during election time, the grip on media loosens and some “extravagant” faces appear on screens. We recall that we have an opposition; they can criticize the government and can have some real programs. However, all of these pecularities must be fit into few minutes strictly regulated by legislation.

Thus, such a strange society we are – waiting five years to see a dissent face on TV for five minutes.

However, those dissent faces are to be blamed most. To be blamed for waiting whole five years to have a chance to speak for five minutes. I even wonder if they shave and have haircut during all these years or do them just before appearing on TV.

I agree that it is almost impossible for an oppositional activist to approach 100 meters to a TV studio, but is the situation so helpless, ladies and gentlemen? Moreover, are TV channels only instruments available to communicate with people of this country? But it is an Internet age – when newspapers are bleeding under the triumphant march of online news resources, and TV channels losing ground to online broadcasting and Youtube. How can you wait for five whole years amongst such diversity of media tools? Why I don’t see Isa Gambar’s blog, Ali Karimli’s Youtube channel or Lala Shovkat’s twitter? Why I can’t find any oppositional leader on Facebook? Don’t they complain that they have no tools to contact with ordinary people? Who hinders them to join Facebook or Odnoklassniki and start to add thousands of Azeri users as friends?

I am a pauvre citizen from a Bakuvian suburb and even I have five blogs, Facebook profile, Youtube channel and a twitter!

As the representatives of the nation which was the leader of democratization in the Muslim world and created the first Democratic Republic with the Parliamentary rule [in the Muslim World], as the heirs of the ideas of freedom and liberal reforms, declared by our enlighteners and founders of the republic, which had a significant influence on the reforms in the region and beyond it, we appeal to you to create all the conditions for Azerbaijan to become a leader in integration in Europe and democratization both in the South Caucasus and beyond it.

[…]

A fair distribution of resources and social prosperity is not possible without strong democratic institutions. We appeal to you not to limit your speeches only by stating economic and social objectives, but to make public the specific program on democratization and political reforms, which would promote Azerbaijan’s speedy integration in European structures.

The letter outlines 7-point demands needed for achievement of a democracy in Azerbaijan. The demands include publicizing the ideas of political freedom at all levels; use of TV for free political debates, education of democracy and critical thinking; releasing all the journalists and political prisoners; provision of independence of courts; and creating all necessary conditions for functioning of political parties, civil society groups and trade unions and for free entrepreneurship.

"It is an ability to create a free society, and not only a talent to maneuver among the regional powers, is the best evidence of the people’s high level and its worthy contribution to the world civilization", concludes the statement.

Ten of 24 signatories are women active in political and social life of the republic.