European MPs demand sanctions against Azerbaijani officials

“In Azerbaijan, there is merciless repression against all forms of dissent”

Deputies of the European Parliament issued a statement on the violation of human rights in the South Caucasus.

In the part of the statement regarding Azerbaijan, it is stated that there is merciless repression against all forms of dissent in this country.

“We condemn the recent extension of the preliminary investigation of Gubad Ibadoglu for more than a year and the continuation of his prosecution on false charges. We repeat the call of the European Parliament to the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately stop all accusations. The charge brought against him prevents him from going abroad for urgent medical treatment.”

The MPs also said that they strongly condemn the continuous repression against all critical voices and the systematic violation of justice in Azerbaijan:

“Human rights defender, head of the Election Monitoring and Democracy Education Center, winner of the Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize of the Council of Europe, Anar Mammadli was arrested on April 29 on charges of so-called smuggling. This is an indication of relentless pressure on civil society and all different voices in Azerbaijan.”

The statement also mentioned the large wave of arrests and arrests of journalists of several independent news agencies in Azerbaijan, including the independent media “AbzasMedia”, “Kanal 13” and “Toplum TV”. It was reported that the arrest of human rights defenders took place after the media was suppressed.

“We regret that Azerbaijan, which currently has about 300 political prisoners, is one of the most repressive countries in the world. All political prisoners must be released and all politically motivated charges must be dropped immediately.”

In the statement, Azerbaijan was called to comply with its international obligations.

The deputies demanded that according to the decisions of the European Parliament adopted on March 15, 2023, September 14, and April 25, 2024, punishment should be applied against the Azerbaijani officials involved in these serious human rights violations.

Link (If you live in Azerbaijan): https://storage.googleapis.com/qurium/www.meydan.tv/az-article-avropali-deputatlar-azerbaycanli-memurlara-sanksiya-teleb-edir.html

Link: https://www.meydan.tv/az/article/avropali-deputatlar-azerbaycanli-memurlara-sanksiya-teleb-edir/