Activists claim despotism in Azerbaijani higher schools

The protesters who gathered near the building of the Azeri Ministry of Education have stated discrimination, suppression of free thought at universities and students' social problems. Within the last five years, a total of 5000 students were forced to stop studying because of inability to pay for it, the protesters have stressed, demanding free of charge education at higher schools.

The May 5 picket was held by activists of the organization "Students' Power Centre" (SPC) in order to draw attention to the problems in the field of education, Farid Imanov, a board member of the SPC, has stated.

"Despotism reigns in Azerbaijani universities and in the education system in general. Any criticism is suppressed; students can be insulted because of their clothes and hairstyles. Students can't create organizations to defend their rights," Mr Imanov has added.

According to his story, there are cases of students' discrimination for their political views, religious affiliation and sexual orientation.

"We demand free education. In 2016-2021, due to economic problems, about 5000 students were unable to continue their education. At the same time, Azerbaijani authorities spent money on holding Formula 1 motor races and other sporting events," Farid Imanov has stressed, adding that the state should pay sufficient scholarships to students to live on.