"We fully support the human right to exercise the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Azerbaijani Constitution and the government’s international commitments and obligations", a State Department spokesperson noted on Friday in response to TURAN's request to comment on the latest sentencing of jailed opposition party leader and government's vocal critic in Azerbaijan.
Ali Aliyev, chairman of the Citizens and Development Party, was convicted yesterday for the third time on defamation charges.
"We urge authorities to create an environment conducive to the exercise of human rights by allowing members of political parties, independent media, NGOs, religious organizations and defense lawyers to operate freely", a State Department spokesperson said.
Human rights groups and local activists view Aliyev's case as another sign of how defamation laws are being used against political opponents and civil society activists in the country. Aliyev himself called the court decision politically motivated.
Alex Raufoglu
Washington D.C.
Politics
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Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a key energy partner for Europe amidst growing challenges in the natural gas market following the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine. The disruption, marking the end of a decade-long transit route, is expected to heighten competition in the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market and drive up prices for alternative energy sources.
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Blogger Rashad Ramazanov, who is serving a prison sentence, spoke about the harsh conditions of detention in correctional facility No. 15.
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Co-Chair of the US Helsinki Commission, Congressman Joe Wilson, condemned the offensive attacks by representatives of the Tehran regime against Azerbaijan and Turkey.
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The FIA Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be held on September 19-21. It will be the 17th Grand Prix of the season.
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