U.S. reiterates calls on Azerbaijan to release Tofig Yagublu

The U.S. State Department on Friday reiterated its calls on Azerbaijan to reevaluate Tofig Yagublu’s case. 

“The U.S. Embassy is disappointed by the September 3 conviction of Tofiq Yagublu on charges that appear to have been fabricated,” a State Department spokesperson told TURAN’s Washington correspondent.

“Mr. Yagublu was denied numerous elements of due process throughout his detention and trial. We call on the Azerbaijani Government to reverse the string of recent politically-motivated detentions, reevaluate Mr. Yagublu’s case, and respect the fundamental freedoms of speech and association guaranteed to all Azerbaijanis under their constitution,” the spokesperson noted.

In a statement, the U.S. Embassy also welcomed the recent registration of the REAL political party.

In its turn, the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor tweeted on Friday that exercising fundamental freedoms of speech and association is “never grounds for incarceration”. 

“These are universal human rights. We are disturbed by Azerbaijan’s denial of due process in the case of Tofiq Yagublu and call for his release,” reads the tweet.

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.