
German Human Rights Commissioner on sentencing of Leyla and Arif Yunus
Christoph Strässer, German Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid at the Federal Foreign Office, issued the following statement on the sentencing of Leyla and Arif Yunus.
“I am shocked by the disproportionately harsh sentences handed down to Leyla Yunus and Arif Yunusov, both of whom I know personally as important human rights defenders and prominent members of Azerbaijani civil society who campaign tirelessly for conciliation and dialogue. I also take a critical view of the prison sentences of eight-and a half and seven years, as it is known that both of the convicted are in poor health.
The Azerbaijani Government must finally cease its crackdown against prominent members of civil society. At the very least, Leyla Yunus and Arif Yunusov must be granted a fair appeal, as independent observers report that their trials were marred by considerable procedural irregularities. All imprisoned members of Azerbaijani civil society must be allowed a fair trial and the medical care they need in detention.
The German Government will continue to lobby the Azerbaijani Government for the release of Leyla Yunus, Arif Yunusov and other imprisoned members of Azerbaijani civil society”, - reads the statement. -02D-
Politics
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Members of the monitoring group of human rights organizations of Azerbaijan sent an appeal to the country's President Ilham Aliyev, in which they expressed deep concern about the health of the arrested journalist Shahnaz Beylargizi.
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On Friday, 7 February, a memorial event was held in Aktau in memory of the victims of the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane crash on 25 December 2024, 'Tengrinews.kz' reports.
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On 7 February the Baku court of appeal considered an appeal against the administrative arrest of public activist Jalal Javadov.
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On 7 February, the trial of Karabakh separatist leaders continued in Baku court complex. During the session the reading of the indictment was continued.
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