European Parliament Harshly Criticizes Authorities of Azerbaijan, Calling for Sanctions and Pressure on Azerbaijan�s Authorities

Strasbourg / 01/17/19 / Turan: The Azerbaijani authorities were subjected to unprecedented criticism during today's meeting of the European Parliament, where they discussed the situation with human rights violations and specifically the case of the blogger Mehman Huseynov.

Speakers including about two dozen MEPs from different countries and factions were united in the assessments and criticism of the government.

In particular, opinions were expressed that the authorities of Azerbaijan for many years ignored their own obligations, grossly and unceremoniously violating human rights and the norms of democracy.

In this regard, MEPs criticized lobbyists among European politicians who, for money from the Azerbaijani authorities, turn a blind eye to human rights violations and try to be defenders of official Baku, while speculating on the value of Azerbaijan as a source of gas for Europe.

Pedro Agramunt and all other MEPs and officials who have sold themselves for money and defended the corruption regime of Baku should be held accountable.

It is necessary to put an end to speculations that Azerbaijan remains a partner of Europe and its gas helps Europeans to be independent from Moscow.

It is necessary to put an end to the arbitrariness of the authorities and impose sanctions against the first person and all other officials who are guilty of gross violation of human rights in Azerbaijan.

Such were the main theses of today's speeches of MEPs, the outcome of which was summed up by the European Commissioner for Trade, Cecilia Malstrom. She noted that Brussels is in constant dialogue with the Azerbaijani authorities on the case of Mehman Huseynov, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.

"A new criminal case fabricated against him contradicts the partnership relations between the EU and Azerbaijan. We maintain an ongoing dialogue with Baku and our negotiations around a new agreement with this country will necessarily include items on supporting democracy, human rights, the rule of law and fair government.

Within the framework of these provisions, we will maintain contacts with the civil society of Azerbaijan and will continue our consultations in Baku on February 5," she said.

The European Commissioner also noted that the EU Baku Office holds the situation not only with the Mehman Huseynov case, but also with other political prisoners, in the center of attention, she stressed.

Following the discussions, a resolution of the European Parliament was adopted, condemning Baku for massive and gross violations of human rights. -02B-