Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan

November 12, 1995

With modifications introduced to the Constitution as a result of Referendum held on 24 August 2002.

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Article 25. Right for equality

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III. The state guarantees equality of rights and liberties of everyone, irrespective of … political convictions, membership in political parties, trade unions and other public organizations. Rights and liberties of a person, citizen cannot be restricted due to … political and social belonging.

Article 48. Freedom of conscience

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II. Everyone has the right to … to profess … together with others, any religion or to profess no religion, to express and spread one's beliefs concerning religion.

III. Everyone is free to carry out religious rituals, however this should not violate public order and contradict public morals.

IV. Religious beliefs and convictions do not excuse infringements of the law.

Article 49. Freedom of meetings

I. Everyone has the right for meetings.

II. Everyone has the right, having notified respective governmental bodies in advance, peacefully and without arms, meet with other people, organize meetings, demonstrations, processions, place pickets.

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Article 57. Right to appeal

I. Citizens of the Azerbaijan Republic have the right to appeal personally and also to submit individual and collective written applications to state bodies. Each application should be responded to in an established order and term.

II. Citizens of the Azerbaijan Republic have the right to criticize activity or work of state bodies, their officials, political parties, trade unions, other public organizations and also activity or work of individuals. Prosecution for criticism is prohibited. Insult or libel shall not be regarded as criticism.

Article 58. Right for joining

I. Everyone is free to join other people.

II. Everyone has the right to establish any union, including political party, trade union and other public organization or enter existing organizations. Unrestricted activity of all unions is ensured.

III. Nobody may be forced to joint any union or remain its member.

IV. Activity of unions intended for forcible overthrow of legal state power on the whole territory of the Azerbaijan Republic or on a part thereof is prohibited. Activity of unions which violates the Constitution and laws might be stopped by decision of law court.

Article 59. Right for business activity

Everyone may, using his/her possibilities, abilities and property, according to existing legislation, individually or together with other citizens, carry out business activity or other kinds of economic activity not prohibited by the law.

Article 60. Guarantee of rights and liberties by law court

I. Legal protection of rights and liberties of every citizen is ensured.

II. Everyone may appeal to law court regarding decisions and activity (or inactivity) of state bodies, political parties, trade unions, other public organizations and officials.

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Article 126. Requirements to candidates to judges posts

II. Judges may not occupy any other posts … except scientific, pedagogical and creative activity, may not be involved in political activity and join political parties, may not get remuneration other than their wages and money for scientific, pedagogical and creative activity.

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Article 155. Limitations on initiative on introduction of changes into Constitution of the Azerbaijan Republic

Proposals about changes or abolition in Articles 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 21, about restriction or abolition of human and citizen's rights and freedoms envisaged in Chapter III of the present Constitution or to higher degree than it is specified in international treaties Azerbaijan Republic is a party too.

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