The EU Commissioner for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton and the EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Stefan Fule expressed deep concern over the arrest of human rights activist Leyla Yunus. In their joint statement it is said the European Union values its relations with Azerbaijan. However, these relationships will not reach their full potential without respect to Azerbaijan’s international obligations, including the Council of Europe, the Committee of Ministers of which is presided by Azerbaijan.
The statement also noted that the arrest of Yunus is part of the restrictions imposed by the authorities against civil society.
Leyla Yunus was arrested for 3 months on five charges. Her husband Arif Yunus is under police surveillance and against him they also put forward similar charges. Amnesty International declared Leila Yunus a prisoner of conscience. --- 16D04-
Politics
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A candidate in the municipal elections for the 23rd Nasimi-Sabail electoral district, activist Djamila Alisheva, has reported administrative barriers in conducting her campaign. She claims that the district election commission is refusing to provide the necessary forms for her authorized representatives.
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On January 15, the Tbilisi Court of Appeals rejected the appeal of Afghan Sadigov, the founder of the Azel TV website, who had protested his extradition to Azerbaijan. Sadigov’s wife, Sevinj Sadigova, stated that this was the final judicial instance in Georgia making a decision on the case, Turan reported. On the other hand, lawyer Mariam Kvelashvili informed Turan that the defense would continue legal steps to prevent the extradition of Afghan Sadigov. According to his wife, Afghan has been on hunger strike for 117 days, and his health is critical.
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Jamil Hajiyev, a member of the National Council of Democratic Forces, has reported continued pressure from the police. On January 10, during the trial of opposition figure Tofig Yagublu at the Baku Serious Crimes Court, Hajiyev unfurled a banner reading "Freedom for Political Prisoners!"
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On January 15, the Yasamal District Court rejected the motion to change the detention measure for Azer Gasymly, the director of the Institute of Political Management, his lawyer, Agyl Laidj, to Turan. "Azer Gasymly stated during the trial that the charges against him were fabricated and related to his socio-political activities," the lawyer said. An appeal will be filed against the court's decision.
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