U.S. Urges Azerbaijan To Respect Citizens' Rights, Release Bakhtiyar Hajiyev 'Expeditiously'

The U.S. State Department on Friday reacted to the arrest of leading human rights activist and government critic Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, allegedly on hooliganism charges, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

"We are deeply troubled by the arrest and detention of Mr. Hajiyev on the eve of Human Rights Day, and we – we urge the authorities to release him expeditiously," the Department's Principal Deputy Spokesperson, Vedant Patel, told a daily press briefing in response to TURAN's questions.

"The U.S. remains strongly committed to advancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and we again urge the government to respect their citizens' rights, including their right to express their views peacefully," Patel added.

Hajiyev was detained on Friday and sentenced to 50 days of pre-trial detention. He is accused of hooliganism and contempt of court.

His arrest comes amid a recent crackdown on opposition party functionaries and activists by the Azerbainani government.

Asked by TURAN's whether the topic of human rights is being discussed during bilateral talks with the Azerbaijani officials - most recently, during a phone call of assistant secretary (A/S) Karen Donfried with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Bayramov this week -- Patel said, in general, the U.S. has been and will continue to put the topic at the center of its foreign policy.

"From the very beginning of this administration, since we've come into office, we have placed human rights at the center of much of our foreign policy and as we engage with countries around the world, and that's something that we will intend to continue to do," he said.

The State Department on Friday provided no additional information on the Donfried-Bayramov call. "A/S Donfried regularly has calls with senior officials across Europe as part of our normal diplomatic engagements, including with Azerbaijan and Armenia," a Department spokesperson said in response to TURAN's inquiry.

Hajiyev's arrest also came just before the U.S. announced financial sanctions and visa restrictions on over 65 individuals and entities — including Kerim Heydar Alimardanov from Azerbaijan — in recognition of International Anti-Corruption and Human Rights Days.

When asked what the designation meant in practice, Patel said, the announcement was a "sweeping action against corrupt actors and those connected to human rights abuses and violations worldwide."

He went on to add, "these actions impose consequences on actors across the globe who engage in corruption and violate or abuse human rights.  This is a broad designation – it's a series of broad designations that we've made that has impacted more than 65 individuals and entities in 17 countries."

Speaking to TURAN, Richard Kauzlarich, former U.S. ambassador to Azerbaijan (1994–1997), said it is 'important' that the State Department sanctioned Kerim Heydar Alimardanov for human rights abuse under the Global Magnitsky Act.

"The Baku regime has committed violations of human rights with impunity. Now there are consequences," Kauzlarich said, "I hope these sanctions will expand to include those officials who commit gross corruption as well," he added.

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.