SEO Header Title

BAKU. November 14, 2009. Thousands four-legged citizens around the world signed a petition denouncing the use of donkey references in regards to the government of Azerbaijan, a post-Soviet nation known for its corrupt and authoritarian leadership. The action was initiated by the Mules And Donkeys Against Smear Society (MAD ASS) in response to the recent online videos and news articles where donkey images appeared in satirical pieces about Azerbaijani politics.

The President of the largest donkey party, YEP (“Yeni Eshsheyler Partiyasi”, which stands for “New Donkey Party” in Azeri language), His Excellency Mister I.A. The First expressed grave concerns about the worldwide damage that has been done to the reputation of donkeys. “We do not want our name to be associated with the authorities in Baku”, he said. “There is no ground for this: we have nothing to do with the political repressions perpetrated by Azerbaijani government. It is an insult to the dignity of all donkeys to be compared with such a regime.”

He emphasized that donkeys have traditionally been on the fore-front on democracy and progress and are known for their individuality and free spirit. In the United States the Democratic Party uses Donkey symbol in its logo, and in many other countries they are perceived as good-natured and very useful members of community, a far cry from corruption and totalitarianism charges leveled at the government of Azerbaijan.

The Horse Family World Federation (HFWF) blamed the media for the spread of false images and stereotypes about donkeys. The statement on their website says “We understand that the reporters try to come up with creative ways in informing the public about the suppression of freedoms in Azerbaijan and the pandemic corruption in that country. But it is extremely unfair to use donkeys in describing such tendencies, and it is demeaning to associate them with the Azerbaijani dictatorship.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Cattle Related Affairs within the administration of the President of Azerbaijan, Yekebash Goyunov, when contacted by our reporters, declined to give an interview, but stated that “There are no such problems. These rumors are being spread by our enemies. Azerbaijani donkeys and government are one and the same, and we all are united in building democracy under the guidance of our Leadership!” (AzDonkeyNews, I.A.az, hoshsha.net)

Other Related News:

Honor and Dignity of Animals Will be Protected in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani Authorities Hold Donkeys as Witnesses