Statement on the sentencing of Mehman Huseynov in Azerbaijan

The two-year sentence handed down on 3 March 2017 by a court in Baku to Azerbaijani blogger Mehman Huseynov on a charge of slander, after he reported that he was tortured during a brief incarceration in January 2017, raised serious questions both as regards respect for freedom of expression and due process of law for the European Union.

Reports of his irregular arrest, alleged ill-treatment, and irregularities in the subsequent court proceeding that ended in his conviction were of equally serious concern and should be immediately investigated. Mr Huseynov should be a witness in a credible and independent investigation of these allegations, seeking accountability for the perpetrators, as appropriate, not in jail.

After this event, the European Union would expect Azerbaijan to respect its international commitments both as regards fundamental freedoms and due process.

ESO: Background information: EU-Azerbaijan relations http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-azerbaijan-relations-2/

---