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ASHTON CONCERNED OVER CONVICTIONS OF PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATORS IN AZERBAIJAN
PanARMENIAN.Net
October 10, 2011 - 15:52 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, the High
Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued a statement on
further convictions of peaceful demonstrators in Azerbaijan.
The statement says that recalling EU statements earlier this year which
expressed concerns about freedom of assembly in Azerbaijan and the EU
statement of 26 August regretting the convictions of six participants
in the peaceful demonstration of 2 April 2011, High Representative
Catherine Ashton is very concerned about the sentencing of 4 more
participants in these events.
The High Representative considers that these convictions are not
consistent with Azerbaijan's efforts to progress toward a pluralistic
democracy and are a discouraging signal.
The High Representative calls on the judiciary in Azerbaijan to ensure
a fair, transparent and evidence-based appeal process. In this context,
she also expresses concerns about the increasingly challenging working
environment for independent lawyers.
The EU Delegation has been instructed to closely monitor further
developments on this issue and remain engaged in assisting Azerbaijan
in fulfilling its commitments with regard to democracy and the rule
of law, the statement says.
PanARMENIAN.Net
October 10, 2011 - 15:52 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, the High
Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued a statement on
further convictions of peaceful demonstrators in Azerbaijan.
The statement says that recalling EU statements earlier this year which
expressed concerns about freedom of assembly in Azerbaijan and the EU
statement of 26 August regretting the convictions of six participants
in the peaceful demonstration of 2 April 2011, High Representative
Catherine Ashton is very concerned about the sentencing of 4 more
participants in these events.
The High Representative considers that these convictions are not
consistent with Azerbaijan's efforts to progress toward a pluralistic
democracy and are a discouraging signal.
The High Representative calls on the judiciary in Azerbaijan to ensure
a fair, transparent and evidence-based appeal process. In this context,
she also expresses concerns about the increasingly challenging working
environment for independent lawyers.
The EU Delegation has been instructed to closely monitor further
developments on this issue and remain engaged in assisting Azerbaijan
in fulfilling its commitments with regard to democracy and the rule
of law, the statement says.