The US was worried about the arrests in Azerbaijan – News | Latest News | Latest News
“We call on the government of Azerbaijan to respect the rights and freedoms of all”
The US government of Azerbaijan to respect the rights and freedoms in the country called.
The reason is the government’s recent pressure on the free media organization “AbzasMedia” and the arrest of its employees.
Director of “AbzasMedia” Ulvi Hasanli and editor-in-chief Sevinj Vagifgizi were arrested for 4 months by the decision of the Khatai District Court on November 21. They are found guilty of smuggling.
If they are found guilty, they can be imprisoned for up to eight years under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.
Both of them deny this charge, stating that their arrests were related to their professional activities.
Social activist Mahammad Kekalov was also taken away from his home by plainclothes police officers on November 20. There was no news from him for two days. On November 22, the head of the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Elshad Hajiyev told Meydan TV that he is in the police station and has been brought to justice.
However, he did not provide detailed information about which police station he was in and what case he was held responsible for.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller expressed deep concern about the arrest of all three people, as well as the physical violence inflicted on Ulvi Hasanli during his detention.
“We call on the government of Azerbaijan to respect everyone’s rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression,” Miller added.