The European Union is concerned about the situation with human rights and media freedoms in Azerbaijan
The European Union is concerned about the situation with human rights and media freedoms in Azerbaijan
How does the European Union assess the latest arrests of journalists and political activists in Azerbaijan? Peter Stano, the European Commission's Lead Spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, responded to this request from the Azerbaijani service of Voice of America Radio:
"Freedom of expression and independent media are universal values applicable everywhere and to everyone. The human rights situation in Azerbaijan and the situation of independent media in particular remain an issue of concern that we repeatedly raise with our Azerbaijani counterparts. We use every opportunity to call on Azerbaijan to uphold its domestic and international obligations regarding freedom of media and human rights of its own citizens, which we also underlined in the recent statement of 21 December 2023.
Human rights and the respect of the rule of law remain at the core of the European Union's relationship with Azerbaijan. The EU believes that respect for basic rights, including the right to a fair trial and due process, are fundamental for stability and prosperity. For this reason, the EU will continue to be engaged in all fora that allow it to raise concerns related to human rights developments in Azerbaijan, including the annual EU-Azerbaijan Human Rights Dialogue."
Politics
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Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who arrived in Baku today, held a press conference at the COP29 climate conference. When asked about the arrested climate activists and opposition figures in Azerbaijan, she stated that Germany advocates for the release of government critics and that she would raise this issue during her meeting with Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister. She specifically mentioned the name of Professor Gubad Ibadoglu, a doctor from Dresden University.
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On November 21, climate activists held a series of protests at the COP29 climate conference in Baku. The main themes of the protests included nuclear weapons testing, animal killings, protection of rivers and water bodies, and environmental pollution.
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The General Assembly of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF) adopted a resolution on Friday reaffirming its commitment to democratic reforms, regional stability, and European integration amidst escalating geopolitical tensions driven by Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine.
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Activist Nijat Ibrahim, who was detained in Baku pre-trial detention center-1, inflicted numerous wounds on himself on November 20 in protest against unjustified criminal prosecution, his wife Parvin Ibrahim told Turan. According to her, on November 21, her husband called her and informed her that the day before he had inflicted incised wounds on himself with a piece of mirror. In particular, he cut his throat and ears.
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