Helsinki Commission's Kyle Parker Honored with ‘Friend of Azerbaijani Democracy’ Award

Washington D.C./12.03.20/ Turan: The National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF), an alliance of opposition parties of Azerbaijan, honored U.S. Helsinki Commission's Senior Senate Staff Representative Kyle Parker with "Friend of Azerbaijani Democracy" award in recognition of his outstanding support and achievement in human rights in Azerbaijan.

Parker, who until recently lead the Helsinki Commission staff, is better known as a key drafter of the Magnitsky Act. He has also played an instrumental role in initiating a draft bill entitled the "Azerbaijan Democracy Act," which introduced in late 2015 by Congressman Chris Smith.

Following the Helsinki Commission's second draft bill on Azerbaijan in 2017, named "Promoting United States national security and foreign policy objectives through consolidation and strengthening of the rule of law and respect for human rights in the Republic of Azerbaijan" the government of Azerbaijan was forced to released a number of political prisoners.

"We're deeply grateful Mr. Parker and his colleagues' depth of knowledge of human rights issues and hands-on experience with countries such as Azerbaijan and Russia at this critical moment," said Jamil Hasanli, chair of the NCDF, following his meeting at the Helsinki Commission on Wednesday, March 12.

"We can barely find right words to appreciate enough to Mr. Parker, Congressman Chris Smith, and all of our friends at the U.S. Helsinki Commission for all they have done in support of independent voices in Azerbaijan. Without propel like them, this would have been a thankless fight," Hasanli added.

Mr. Parker's work on the Magnitsky Act, a landmark law redefining human rights advocacy around the world, is featured in a New York Times bestseller.

In July 2018, he was one of 10 American diplomats Russia requested be released into their custody for interrogation, which Parker said he considered a "badge of honor". -25B-