Michael O'Flaherty: "I look forward to continuing dialogue and cooperation with the Azerbaijani authorities, including in the context of a visit to the country"

The Council of Europe (CoE) Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty, has called on President Ilham Aliyev to release human rights defenders, journalists and activists from detention.

The call was issued by the CoE press service on November 18, Turan writes. O'Flaherty said he was concerned by reports that criminal cases have been initiated against human rights defenders, journalists and activists in connection with their legitimate activities.

"I urge the authorities to promptly release all human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society activists imprisoned for their legitimate activities, dissent, or expression of critical opinions. I also call for the immediate dropping of any criminal charges against them, as well as the removal of restrictive measures, including travel bans."

Recalling that more than 10 journalists from "Abzas Media," "Toplum TV" and "Kanal 13" are in prison, the commissioner added that he is concerned about the arrest of Akif Gurbanov, Alasgar Mammadli, Imran Aliyev, and Anar Mammadli, who are accused of smuggling.

The Commissioner noted "a worrying trend of arbitrary arrest and detention of government critics and civil society activists, in violation of criminal law and the rule of law."

He called on the Azerbaijani authorities to "effectively investigate reports of ill-treatment of several human rights defenders, journalists and activists while in police custody, as well as to ensure access to lawyers and adequate medical care."

O'Flaherty urges the Azerbaijani authorities "to ensure that all laws and practices related to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and expression align with Council of Europe human rights standards. This includes fully implementing relevant judgments from the European Court of Human Rights regarding the situation of human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society activists."

"I look forward to continuing dialogue and cooperation with the Azerbaijani authorities, including in the context of a visit to the country," O'Flaherty concluded.

Local human rights activists say there are 319 political prisoners in Azerbaijan. Authorities deny the allegations.