U.S. 'Aware Of' Continued Investigation Of Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, Calls For His Expeditious Release

Washington D.C./08.06.23/Turan:  The U.S. State Department once again called on Azerbaijani government to free leading activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

"We’re aware of the reports of the continued investigation of Mr. Hajiyev, and we continue to closely follow his case and call for his expeditious release," Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told Wednesday press briefing when asked by TURAN about the latest developments on Hajiyev's case.

"We remain strongly committed to advancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and we urge the government to respect its citizens’ rights, including the right to express views peacefully," Patel added.

Hajiyev, a U.S.-educated prominent human rights defender, was arrested last December on charges of "hooliganism" and "contempt of court", claims that the activist strongly denies.

Early this week, Azerbaijani police raided Hajiyev and his relatives' houses, confiscated the activist's photo with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as "evidence."

The U.S. government, as well as congressional leaders, such as Senators Dick Durbin and Ben Cardin urged Azerbaijan to release Hajiyev 'immediately'.

Many, including former Secretary Clinton, have claimed that the charges against him are politically motivated.

Alex Raufoglu