The opposition strongly condemned the arrest of Leyla Yunus
The arrest of the director of the Institute for Peace and Democracy Leyla Yunus and the prosecution of her husband Arif Yunus caused serious criticism from Azerbaijani opposition forces. The relevant statements were made by the opposition’s National Council, Musavat and Popular Front Party.
The statement of the National Council said of the incomparable merits of Yunus in the liberation of persons arrested for political reasons and prisoners of conscience. "The most complete and objective list of political prisoners in Azerbaijan was prepared and sent to international organizations namely by Yunus. Today, however, she has become a prisoner of conscience and is among those whom she defended, so all conscientious people in the country today should be with her.
The National Council will use all legitimate means to protect Leyla Yunus from repression by the authorities. We demand her immediate release," the statement says.
The statement expressed bewilderment as the authorities may accuse Leyla Yunus of "fraud on a large scale." She is the only knight of the French Order of Legion of Honor, accused of treason and it all happens during the presidency of Azerbaijan in the CoE Committee of Ministers.
Musavat party leader Isa Gambar on his Facebook page also demanded the release of Leyla Yunus. Musavat defended and will defend all innocent people and political prisoners - right and left, believers and atheists, of various nationalities, youth activists, journalists and veterans.
PFPA leader Ali Kerimli said that, arresting Leyla Yunus, the authorities have once again demonstrated willingness to do anything to silence those who speak the truth and defend political prisoners.
"You can kill me, but you can never win. You will remain in history not as the president Ilham Aliyev,b the son of Heydar Aliyev, but as a man who did not manage to break and defeat the human rights activist Leyla Yunus,' the appeal of the human rights activist to the head of state was quoted by Ali Kerimli.
According to him, the regime hopes to continue its rule by repression unacceptable in the civilized world, not drawing conclusions from history. -03B04-
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