Read also
“Now that the threat of landmines has be...
_Page_1.jpg)
EU concern at drug sentence for Azerbaijani journalist
16-07-2010
The EU has expressed its grave concern at the conviction and sentencing in Azerbaijan of imprisoned journalist and former newspaper editor Eynulla Fatullayev on drug possession charges. In a statement issued at the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna, the EU backed the view expressed earlier by the OSCE Representative on the Freedom of the Media that these new charges “remained questionable”.
The Statement said the EU was particularly concerned that this new judgment had been taken just two weeks before the deadline for compliance with the European Court of Human Rights’ ruling, which had overturned the sentence imposed on Fatullayev at an earlier trial demanding his prompt release from custody.
The EU reiterated its earlier call on Azerbaijan to honour its obligation under Art. 46 of the European Convention on Human Rights and urged the Azerbaijani authorities “to allow a swift appeal against this conviction, ensuring full compliance with international legal standards.”
The Statement said the EU would be ready to join the OSCE Office in monitoring the appeal trial.
ENPI Info Centre webpage - Azerbaijan
ENPI Info Centre Country Press Pack - The EU and Azerbaijan
