COE official critical of Azerbaijan

"The Council of Europe is trying to finally solve the problem of political prisoners in Azerbaijan. It is no longer going to stand such a state of affairs. We have clearly stipulated that all political prisoners should be released. Otherwise Azerbaijan will face sanctions in the April session," said Malcolm Bruce, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe's rapporteur on political prisoners in Azerbaijan, in an exclusive interview for Caucasian Knot.

In her comment on the statement by Mr Bruce, Gyultekin Gadzhiyeva, a member of the Azerbaijani delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly, expressed hope "the government will take serious steps by April to honour its commitments and the danger will be averted." She said the delegation might be debarred from voting unless measures to honour the commitments are taken. At the same time, Ms Gadzhiyeva added, "It is difficult to finally settle the issue of political prisoners by April. But I think very serious steps can be taken to solve it."

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan's Supreme Court will on 25 March examine an appeal from seven opposition leaders convicted of the October 2003 events and considered to be political prisoners as well. Their lawyer, Mirismail Khady, emphasized it would be naive to expect the Supreme Court to give a positive verdict. "It was clear from the very beginning that their case was politically motivated. We do not expect a fair decision from the Supreme Court. This hearing is formal. Our main goal is to bring the case to the European Court," Khady emphasized. He expressed hope though his clients would also be released under a sweeping amnesty the president of Azerbaijan is expected to declare soon.

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More about Azerbaijan:

• Human Rights Practices in Azerbaijan - 2004