MEPs' action in support of journalists and activists arrested in Azerbaijan
On 17 December, a group of MEPs held a rally in support of journalists and activists arrested in Azerbaijan.
MEPs from different political groups called to put an end to repression against civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan.
On 18 December, within the framework of the Plenary Session of the European Parliament, discussions will be held on ‘Continuing repression against civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan, the cases of Gubad Ibadoglu, Anar Mammadli, Kyamran Mammadli, Rufat Safarov and 'Meydan TV’. Following the discussions, a draft resolution will be put to a vote on 19 December.
On 25 April and 24 October this year, the European Parliament adopted resolutions calling on the Azerbaijani authorities to release political prisoners. At the same time, the deputies called on the European Union to impose sanctions against Azerbaijani officials who violate human rights.
Politics
-
On December 18, the Supreme Court reviewed the appeal of Avaz Zeynalli, founder of the online platform Xural TV, and Elnur Shukurov, head of the YouTube channel Sada TV. "Avaz Zeynalli rejected all accusations, stating that he is being persecuted for his journalistic activities. He reminded that he had already been convicted once for accepting a bribe, but the European Court had ruled that conviction unlawful," Zeynalli's lawyer, Fahraddin Mehdiyev, said in a statement to Turan. The Supreme Court has reduced Zeynalli's prison sentence by only 2 months. He was originally sentenced to 9 years in prison.
-
President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola on 17 December, in Strasbourg, at the ceremony of awarding the Andrey Sakharov Prize, reiterated her call to drop charges against one of the finalists of the award, economist Gubad Ibadoglu.
-
On 18 December, in an interview with the ‘All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company’ (ARSTRBC) and ‘RIA Novosti’ President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made a substantial reference to criticism of the West's policy towards Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus region.
-
On 17 December, the trial of journalists of 'Abzas Media' and journalists who cooperated with it started in Baku.
Leave a review