U.S. welcomes Azerbaijan's release of activists, urges more
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 20 March 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, U.S. welcomes Azerbaijan's release of activists, urges more, 20 March 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/552f9d8915.html [accessed 1 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
March 20, 2015
By RFE/RL
The United States has welcomed a decision by Azerbaijani authorities to release several activists from prison but urged Baku to release others.
The U.S. State Department said in a March 19 press release that many people still remain incarcerated in Azerbaijani prisons for their civic activities.
Among them are rights activist Leyla Yunus, whose husband is also jailed; Khadija Ismayilova, an investigative journalist and RFE/RL contributor; human rights lawyer Intigam Aliyev; and youth activist Rasul Jafarov.
It said releasing these activists would "demonstrate the government's adherence to the [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's] and other international commitments to uphold the fundamental freedoms of all its citizens."
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev pardoned more than 100 people on March 18 ahead of Norouz, the New Year holiday.
Among those pardoned were Orxan (say Orkhan) Eyyubzade, a prominent blogger; Basir Suleymanli, a leader of an election-monitoring NGO; and activist Anar Qasimli.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
