US embassy issues statement on Azeri youth activist’s sentencing
BAKU – The US embassy in Baku has issued a statement on Wednesday’s sentencing of a young Azerbaijani opposition activist to two and a half years in jail on charges of drug possession, calling for a fair review of an appeal.
Jabbar Savalanly, an Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP) member, was handed down the verdict at a Sumgayit court on Wednesday. A group of youth activists protested the ruling outside the court building.
The embassy said Savalanly’s arrest shortly after he posted comments on Facebook encouraging dissent prompted some observers to question the charges against him and the independence of the country’s judiciary system.
The statement said the U.S. strongly supports democratic institutions and efforts to strengthen the rule of law in Azerbaijan, calling on the justice system to review Savalanly’s appeal of the ruling in accord with the country’s international commitments.
It also noted that respect for freedom of speech and expression was crucial to promoting dialog between citizens and their governments.
Savalanly has dismissed the charges brought against him, claiming his arrest was politically motivated.
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