Human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law are important elements of the relationship between Azerbaijan and the European Union. However, Baku violates them, including by arresting journalists and activists, the EU statement said.
The European Union expressed regret over the arrests of human rights activist Ilhamiz Guliyev and opposition leader Tofig Yagublu, as well as the extension of the prison terms of Gubad Ibadoglu and Bakhtiyar Hajiyev.
The authors of the document called on the Azerbaijani authorities to release those arrested, including journalists Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgizi, Muhammad Kekalov, Aziz Orujov, Rufat Muradli, Nargiz Absalamova, Teymur Kerimov, Hafiz Babali. All of them were investigating corruption against Azerbaijani officials. They were charged with smuggling foreign currency.
