22:30, 23 May 2011

EU official urges Azerbaijani authorities to revise sentences passed to oppositionists

Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has resolutely condemned conviction in Azerbaijan of young oppositionists Jabbar Savalan and Bakhtiyar Gadjiev.

"I am deeply concerned about the situation with human rights in Azerbaijan. The recent verdicts to youth activists Jabbar Savalan and Bakhtiyar Gadjiev passed on May 4 and 18 cause our deep concern. The circumstances of both cases give reason to believe that the investigation was politically motivated," Ms Ashton's statement says.

She urged the authorities of Azerbaijan "to fully respect the fundamental freedoms and guarantee the rule of law in accordance with the international standards that Azerbaijan had undertaken to observe." "We also call on Azerbaijan to conduct an honest and fair review of these verdicts," said Catherine Ashton.

Author: Faik Medzhid

Source: CK correspondent