EU Supports Calls for Release of Mehman Aliyev

Baku / 08.09.17 / Turan: The European Union expressed deep concern over the detention of the Azerbaijani journalist, director of the Turan news agency Mehman Aliyev. This was stated by the representative of the EU at a permanent OSCE meeting.

"The EU has previously expressed its concern regarding the shrinking space for freedom of expression in Azerbaijan and there has been a pattern of politically motivated detentions of journalists and human rights defenders. This development comes after a decision taken by a Baku court on 12 May to permanently block five online media outlets, including online television platforms. Since April 2015 to this date, 29 media freedom restrictions in Azerbaijan have been registered on the Council of Europe platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists," the EU representative stated.

"The EU echoes the statements by the Representative on Freedom of the

Media and the Council of Europe Secretary General, and calls upon

Azerbaijan to ensure respect for its international commitments, notably as a

party to the European Convention on Human Rights of which Article 10

protects the right to freedom of expression and information. We urge the

Azerbaijan government to uphold its commitments on the Rule of Law and

ensure Mehman Aliyev"s right to a fair trial. Respect for these commitments is

an essential foundation to a democratic society. We call on Azerbaijan to

cooperate closely with international structures, including those who called for immediate release of Mehman Aliyev, and to guarantee that the fundamental freedoms of Mehman Aliyev are not violated further," the EU representative stated finally.

* Mehman Aliyev was detained on August 24. The next day he was charged under Articles 213.1 (tax evasion), 308.1 (abuse of official powers) and 192.2.2 (illegal business with a large income) of the Criminal Code. The court selected a preventive measure against him in the form of arrest until November 7. Aliyev rejected all the accusations and called them politically motivated.

International organizations condemned Aliyev's arrest and called for his immediate release. The US State Department also called for the immediate release of Mehman Aliyev. Concern about Aliyev"s arrest was expressed by the French and British Foreign Ministries, urging the Azerbaijani authorities to comply with their international obligations in the field of human rights. -06B--