Human rights violations and homophobia in Azerbaijan (iwwit.de reported). For hardcore ESC fans, the world's biggest music show is a difficult balancing act this year: is it okay to enjoy the competition despite the political situation? Or should you boycott it? I KNOW WHAT I DO spoke to Markus Herrmann. He is a member of the ESC fan club "Organisation Générale des Amateurs de l'Eurovision" and will be attending the show live in Baku.
Mr Herrmann, This year's Eurovision Song Contest: A show like so many before?
The ESC in Baku is my second live experience of the contest. Last year in Düsseldorf was the first time I was up close and personal. These two ESCs are certainly not comparable. In view of the situation in Azerbaijan regarding human rights violations and homophobia, I naturally asked myself the question beforehand: Am I travelling or not?
What has was the deciding factor in travelling there after all?
Ultimately, the ESC is an event that unites people and nations and I enjoy it immensely. That is why I have spoken out against boycotting the ESC. Being so close to the artists, experiencing the press conferences, rehearsals and of course the show live is unique.
In an ESC fan club, one automatically assumes that there are many gay men. Were there any members who decided not to travel to Baku because of their sexuality?
There are many countries where being gay is not tolerated. But I don't know anyone personally who hasn't travelled to Baku for this reason.
You've been in Baku for a few days now. What are your first impressions of the city and the people there?
I am amazed at how nice and hospitable people are here. You walk through the streets, people recognise you as an "ESC tourist" and you are immediately greeted with a "Welcome to Baku!". The city has been transformed for the ESC in a very short space of time, with the Crystal Hall, the Flame Towers and a gigantic beach promenade being built especially for the event. Work is still going on day and night, and there is still chaos here and there. An extreme example: the subways to the hall are not yet finished. You have to cross two three-lane and busy roads without traffic lights or zebra crossings on foot to get to the hall. I hope they will be finished before the live show.
Do you directly experience censorship or outright homophobia?
Little, I am only aware of two incidents. The beautiful Azerbaijani façade is starting to show cracks: During a party, the German DJ played an Armenian track and was warned afterwards to refrain from doing so in future. All DJs were banned from playing Armenian music. It is well known that Azerbaijan is in an unsettled state of war with Armenia. Secondly, websites such as ESC-Today and ESC-Azerbaijan were deactivated - presumably by homophobic hackers who, according to rumours, come from Iran.
Do you hope that this ESC will also send out a political signal against homophobia and human rights violations?
I see the ESC in Azerbaijan as an opportunity to draw public attention to the grievances, which has already happened. Because let's be honest: who in the general public has ever dealt with the situation in Azerbaijan before, let alone known exactly where the country is located ...
And of course this question must not be left unanswered either. Mr Herrmann, you as an expert... Who will win the ESC?
I think Italy will win the ESC because the song is catchy and performed perfectly by Nina Zilli. But let's wait and see, because there have always been surprise victories at the ESC.
Interview: Tim Schomann
