Verklaring Ashton over vrijlating activist Azerbeidzjan (en)

Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy/Commission Vice President, issued the following statement today:

"I welcome the decision of the Supreme Court and the subsequent release of youth activist Bakhtiar Hajiyev. Just a year ago, together with other international partners I called upon Azerbaijan to fully respect fundamental freedoms and to guarantee the due application of the rule of law. Although delayed, Mr. Hajiyev's release is in line with Azerbaijan's international commitments and its pledge to move forward on freedoms of speech and assembly. I hope this decision will encourage the release of all other activists in prison, notably the participants to the April 2nd 2011 rally. "