EU expects from Baku the release of other political prisoners

Baku/18.03.19 / Turan: The European Union welcomes pardon of more than 400 prisoners, timed to the celebration of Novruz, reads the official statement of the European Foreign Service, published on Sunday, March 17. Among the pardoned were representatives of political parties, non-profit organizations, bloggers and journalists. "This step is perceived with approval," reads the statement. The EU expects that, in line with Azerbaijan"s international commitments, further similar steps will follow in the future. The European Union will continue to cooperate with Azerbaijan in order to expand cooperation, including in the field of human rights, which is "an important element of our relations."

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree pardoning over 400 people, among them 14 foreigners, including two Russians. Most were exempt from serving the remaining term, 12 people were released from fines. Three convicted life sentences were replaced by long-term imprisonment. -02D-