The European Union has urged Azerbaijan to release all individuals imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights.
In a statement, the EU also called on the Azerbaijani government to ensure prisoners have dignified and safe conditions, including full access to healthcare and independent legal services.
“On May 25, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree pardoning 154 convicts. Unlike previous years, this year’s decree did not include individuals imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights,” the EU’s statement read.
The EU has noted a concerning rise in arrests of independent journalists, human rights defenders, and political activists on politically motivated charges in Azerbaijan. Independent media outlets such as “AbzasMedia,” “Toplum TV,” “Kanal 11,” and “Kanal 13,” as well as political movements like the III Republican Platform, labor rights groups, and organizations such as the Institute of Democratic Initiatives, have been targeted.
“The prison terms of many have been repeatedly extended. We are particularly concerned about the health conditions of Gubad Ibadoglu and Alasgar Mammadli. We again urge Azerbaijani authorities to lift the travel ban on Mr. Ibadoglu so he can receive urgent medical treatment.”
The statement also referenced the upcoming UN Global Conference on Climate Change, which Azerbaijan will host in November. The EU emphasized the importance of civil society participation in such events:
“COP29 is an opportunity for Azerbaijan to affirm its commitment to its international obligations and to create conditions for a free and independent civil society. This aligns with Azerbaijan’s commitments as a member of the Eastern Partnership, as reiterated in the Declaration of the Eastern Partnership Summit in December 2021.”
The European Union expressed its commitment to ongoing dialogue with Azerbaijan on key cooperation areas, including human rights and the rule of law, for the benefit of all people in Azerbaijan.
On May 25, President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree pardoning 154 convicted individuals, including 63 who were released from the unserved portions of their sentences. The list did not include any political prisoners.
