European Commissioner Defends Khadija Ismayilova

By ignoring the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe's recommendations, the Azerbaijani authorities violate the values and standards, which themselves committed to abide by when joining the organization.

This has a negative impact on the implementation of human rights in Azerbaijan and the country's image abroad, said Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Mujzhnieks in an interview with the Azerbaijani service of Radio Liberty.

According to him, the Council of Europe and other bodies have condemned the criminal prosecution for political reasons against critics of the government and called for freeing them.

"Azerbaijan should listen to these recommendations, fulfill the case law of the European Court, and comply with obligations in the field of human rights," said Mujzhnieks.

The Commissioner expressed solidarity with the arrested journalist Khadija Ismayilova, who from prison called on the international community not to use the issue of "political prisoners" as the subject of political bargaining with the authorities.

"Human rights cannot be negotiated or bargained," the Commissioner said.

Mujzhnieks did not agree with the arguments of the Azerbaijani authorities that political prisoners were convicted for specific criminal acts and their guilt was proved by the court. -03D06--