European human rights group warns on Azerbaijan constitution

Published September 21, 2016

FILE - In this March 30, 2016 file photo, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev makes a statement before a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at the State Department in Washington. A European law and human rights commission, in a report released on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, has criticized proposed constitutional changes in Azerbaijan that would extend the president’s term. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File) (The Associated Press)

A European law and human rights commission is criticizing proposed constitutional changes in Azerbaijan that would extend the president's term.

The Venice Commission, a watchdog body of constitutional law experts based in France, released a preliminary report Wednesday saying extending the presidential mandate "cannot be justified" and that other proposed legal changes would upset the balance of powers.

The commission says a measure giving the president power to dissolve parliament would weaken political dissent, and expressed concern about a measure limiting public gatherings.

A referendum is scheduled Monday on the changes. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in the capital of Azerbaijan Saturday to protest against them.

Opponents say the measures would give leverage to the governing establishment to secure long-term power. President Ilham Aliyev is the son of the previous president.

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