US OSCE mission concerned over human rights in Azerbaijan
The United States Mission to the OSCE has issued a statement
expressing concern over the human rights situation in Azerbaijan,
citing the arrests of several journalists and bloggers.
The statement refers to the case of Eynulla Fatullayev, the editor-in-chief of two newspapers. "The United States is concerned by recent charges of drug possession filed against imprisoned Azerbaijani journalist Eynulla Fatullayev," it said.
Fatullayev is currently serving an eight and a half year prison term for two different articles he wrote and for which he was accused of libel, terrorism, tax evasion, and inciting ethnic hatred. A number of reputable domestic and international observers consider his imprisonment politically motivated, claimed the statement, announced by Political Counselor Casey Christensen to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on January 28.
"We urge the government of Azerbaijan to resolve this case in accordance with the country’s laws and Constitution, as well as its international commitments. Securing freedom of expression for all citizens, including members of the media, is essential for democracy," the statement said.
It called upon the Azerbaijani government "to resolve this and other cases of imprisoned journalists" and to promote a free and independent media, in keeping with its professed goal of developing democratic institutions and a vibrant and free society in Azerbaijan. "Releasing those members of the media who have been unjustly imprisoned, including Eynulla Fatullayev, would be a good step in this direction," the US mission claimed.
In another case involving freedom of expression, it also urged Azerbaijani authorities to conduct the appeal of imprisoned youth activists and bloggers Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade in a fair and transparent manner.
"Following their convictions in November, we voiced our regret over the court’s decision and our concern with the non-transparent investigation, closed court hearings, and disproportionate legal charges. We urge Azerbaijan to guarantee that the due process rights of Milli and Hajizade are fully protected during the appeal process."*
The statement refers to the case of Eynulla Fatullayev, the editor-in-chief of two newspapers. "The United States is concerned by recent charges of drug possession filed against imprisoned Azerbaijani journalist Eynulla Fatullayev," it said.
Fatullayev is currently serving an eight and a half year prison term for two different articles he wrote and for which he was accused of libel, terrorism, tax evasion, and inciting ethnic hatred. A number of reputable domestic and international observers consider his imprisonment politically motivated, claimed the statement, announced by Political Counselor Casey Christensen to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on January 28.
"We urge the government of Azerbaijan to resolve this case in accordance with the country’s laws and Constitution, as well as its international commitments. Securing freedom of expression for all citizens, including members of the media, is essential for democracy," the statement said.
It called upon the Azerbaijani government "to resolve this and other cases of imprisoned journalists" and to promote a free and independent media, in keeping with its professed goal of developing democratic institutions and a vibrant and free society in Azerbaijan. "Releasing those members of the media who have been unjustly imprisoned, including Eynulla Fatullayev, would be a good step in this direction," the US mission claimed.
In another case involving freedom of expression, it also urged Azerbaijani authorities to conduct the appeal of imprisoned youth activists and bloggers Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade in a fair and transparent manner.
"Following their convictions in November, we voiced our regret over the court’s decision and our concern with the non-transparent investigation, closed court hearings, and disproportionate legal charges. We urge Azerbaijan to guarantee that the due process rights of Milli and Hajizade are fully protected during the appeal process."*
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