An influential US senator, Republican John McCain in an interview with the Voice of America Azerbaijani Service urged Baku to release the journalist Khadija Ismailova, threatening otherwise taking action against the authorities of Azerbaijan.
What does the journalist Khadija Ismailova’s work, which investigated the business of Ilham Aliyev’s family and was soon arrested, mean personally to the senator?
In answering this question, the senator said the arrest of Khadija goes on beyond one person and covers a much wider range of issues. He said it's about exposing corruption on the part of a brave and courageous woman. Arresting Khadija, the government is fighting against democracy and freedom of the press, showing everybody what happens for these activities.
Thus, it is not only the story of Khadija, but the evidence of the necessity of reforms, the senator said.
The US Congress is discussing a bill Global Magnitsky directed against public officials who violate human rights around the world, and Senator McCain is one of those who support this document.
In his opinion, if the authorities continue to violate human rights, actions should be taken against the government of Azerbaijan. Magnitsky Act has frightened dictators around the world. The senator said, of course, this option should be seriously considered, but he hopes that before it comes to that point, Khadija will be freed.
What is the impact of the incarceration of Khadija Ismayilova on the bilateral relations?
In answering this question, the senator said there is no doubt that her continued detention would have a negative impact.
He said the government ignores international norms and continues to arrest innocent people, violating their rights and freedom of the press. The continuation of these processes forces the U.S. to take certain steps.
He said his message to the government of Azerbaijan is that he is an old friend of the country. He said he knows many people in the government and had visited Azerbaijan.
He said what the authorities do is not right. They spoil the image of the entire nation. Azerbaijanis are good and kind people. The authorities' actions are detrimental to their image, John McCain concluded. -02D-
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