The United States again called on the Azerbaijani authorities to release two political prisoners
The US State Department once again called on the Azerbaijani government to release activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev. Similar appeals concern another oppositionist, Zamin Salaev.
The US government, as well as Congressional leaders, believe that the Azerbaijani authorities have brought politically motivated accusations against Hajiyev. Since December, he has been under arrest for hooliganism and contempt of court.
Another activist, Zamin Salaev, was recently sentenced to four years in prison on charges of hooliganism. His state of health worsened after a long hunger strike. The man's legs are swollen because the kidneys are not functioning. Nevertheless, he was returned from the medical institution to the pre-trial detention center, despite the fact that he needs serious treatment.
