EU Calls For Azerbaijan To Release Opposition Members

The alleged abduction and illegal arbitrary detention of Azerbaijani nationals, including human rights defenders, residing in Georgia followed by their arrest and prosecution in Azerbaijan, demands swift, thorough and transparent investigation, the European Union said.

“We welcome the launch of such an investigation in Georgia as announced by its leadership,” said the EU’s diplomatic arm the External Action Service in a statement. “A review by Azerbaijan of any and all cases of incarceration related to the exercise of fundamental rights, including the freedom of expression, and immediate release all of those concerned is urgent, in line with Azerbaijan’s international commitments.”

The EU said that it expects that the due process of law is respected, as well as the civil and political rights of citizens and those residing legally in states other than their own.

The EAAS noted that, “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights clearly states that ‘No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.'”

The European Union said it will continue to follow these cases closely.