The Human Rights Houses Foundation called on the Azerbaijani authorities to put an end to repression

Baku/15.12.23/Turan: The Norwegian Foundation for Human Rights Houses is concerned about the current wave of repression against independent media and critical voices in Azerbaijan. "Over the past 25 days, at least 11 journalists and human rights defenders have been arrested on dubious and unfounded charges for legitimately expressing their opinions. These events are an alarming attack on the Azerbaijani media and dissenting voices in the early presidential elections on February 7, 2024," the message reads.

The organization calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to stop criminal cases against the recently arrested and immediately release them. "We call on the Azerbaijani authorities:

- comply with its obligations under international law and immediately drop charges and release imprisoned human rights defenders and journalists;

- ensure access to professional medical care for detainees;

- allow all detainees to communicate with their families and lawyers, including by phone;

- promptly and comprehensively investigate cases of ill-treatment and torture of detainees and bring those responsible to justice;

- to allow free expression of one's own opinion and to protect the activities of journalists and civil society activists from repression;

- to put an end to the suppression of freedom of expression and create a favorable environment for a free civil space," the statement said.

* The Human Rights Houses Foundation operating in Norway unites many human rights organizations in Europe.-16D-