CoE Secretary General expects tangible results in the release of political prisoners
The Secretary-General of CoE Thorbjorn Jagland praised the reconstruction of Azerbaijan Joint Working Group on Human Rights with the participation of representatives of government and civil society, and the last decree of pardon. At the same time, he called for the release of many other political prisoners, including the leader of the REAL Ilgar Mamedov.
As noted Jagland in a statement released late Wednesday, according to the agreement between the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and the President of Azerbaijan on October 22 for the first time since 2008, a meeting of the Joint Working Group on Human Rights consisting of about 18 human rights activists, members of parliament and officials of the Presidential Administration was conducted.
The purpose of the meeting of the joint working group, which was also attended by a representative of the Council of Europe, was the revival of the dialogue between civil society and the authorities of Azerbaijan.
The Secretary-General Jagland described this meeting as a step towards the improvement of the current human rights situation in the country.
"The release of four human rights activists among 80 convicts, who were pardoned by presidential decree last week, was the first positive step. I sincerely hope that today's meeting will lead to tangible results and the release of more activists. Specifically, I'm looking forward to the release of Ilgar Mamedov, in whose case the European Court of human Rights announced the final verdict last week," said Jagland. -06D--
Politics
-
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova has decided to unilaterally terminate the Moldovan-Russian agreement from 1998 on the creation and operation of cultural centers.
-
By the order of the head of state, Rufat Mahmud has been appointed the new head of the historical and architectural reserve "Icheri Sheher" – the historic center of Baku.
-
On February 13, the Appeal Court did not satisfy the defense's appeal against the decision of the Khatai Court regarding the arrest of journalist Shahnaz Beylargizi. According to the lawyer, the journalist herself did not participate in the trial due to poor health. The defense intends to submit a petition to replace the arrest with house arrest.
-
Azerbaijan will limit 'Sputnik Azerbaijan' and 'BBC News Azərbaycanca' editorial offices. This was reported by the country's pro-government media on 13 February, citing an informed source.
Leave a review