Western diplomats expressed support for journalists arrested in Azerbaijan

Baku/08.12.23/Turan: On December 7, the EU delegation and the Embassies of Great Britain, Switzerland and the United States organized an event in connection with World Human Rights Day. The head of the EU mission, Peter Michalko, noted that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims equal rights for all, regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion or other affiliation, and there can be no double standards in this. Referring to the recent arrests of journalists and activists, he said that there are dedicated human rights defenders in Azerbaijan and they deserve gratitude and respect.

"We have gathered to celebrate Human Rights Day and we regret that some of our partners and friends cannot join us. I would like to especially mention Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, who was arrested a year ago, as well as Gubad Ibadoglu, Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgizy, Muhammad Kekalov, Nargiz Absalamova, Aziz Orujev, Rufat Murdadli and others who are under arrest civil activists, human rights defenders," Mikhalko continued.

Hugo Guevara, Charge d'affaires of the United States in Azerbaijan, noted the special responsibility of his country as the initiator of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The United States in Azerbaijan works closely with the Government, civil society and international partners to develop a democratic, pluralistic and inclusive society where everyone's rights are protected and respected.  "We are working to strengthen the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, the participation of women and minorities, and the accountability of public institutions," Hugo Guevara said.

The United States is deeply concerned about the arrest and charges against representatives of civil society, including Gubad Ibadoglu, journalists Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgiza, Nargiz Absalamova, Aziz Orujeva, as well as civil society activists Bakhtiyar Hajiyev and Mohammad Kekalov.

"We call on the Government of Azerbaijan to protect the rights of these individuals within the framework of the Constitution of Azerbaijan and its international obligations in the field of freedom of the press and speech. I applaud the courage and dedication of all human rights defenders, journalists, and members of civil society who work tirelessly to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms in Azerbaijan," he said.

British Ambassador to Azerbaijan Fergus Auld also noted that the protection of human rights in all parts of the world is important for his country. "We regularly discuss individual and general human rights issues with the Government of Azerbaijan. We deliver our messages at private meetings and through public appeals. Our Minister for European Affairs Leo Docherty was in Azerbaijan two weeks ago, we met with human rights activists and discussed the detention of Gubad Ibadoglu and the recent arrests of the heads of “Abzas Media.”

London calls on the Azerbaijani government to: improve investigative processes; make the necessary changes to legislation related to defamation; take the necessary steps to criminalize all forms of domestic violence, he said. Swiss Ambassador Thomas Stähli  noted that his country stands for building a society in which everyone is treated with respect and their fundamental rights are guaranteed.

"By developing mutual understanding, tolerance and open dialogue, we must strive for a better society in Switzerland, Azerbaijan – all over the world," Stähli said.–16В-