UN voices deep concern over detention and prosecution of human rights defenders and journalists in Azerbaijan

YEREVAN, AUGUST 15, ARMENPRESS. The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, today expressed serious concern over the ongoing detention and prosecution of six human rights defenders and journalists in Azerbaijan, the UN has stated in a press release.

“In recent months, I have witnessed an alarming wave of arrests and criminal cases against human rights defenders and journalists in Azerbaijan,” Lawlor said, noting that she has raised two such cases with the Government that are part of that worrying trend.

“Anti-corruption investigations, independent election monitoring, and international human rights advocacy are all legitimate human rights work,” Lawlor said, adding that retaliation for that work and for exercising freedom of expression is a clear violation of international human rights law.

The Special Rapporteur expressed alarm over the alleged seizure of electronic devices and documents from the Abzas Media office and the homes of the journalists and human rights defenders who were arrested, potentially compromising their sources in anti-corruption investigations.

 Lawlor said authorities had limited their access to lawyers and in some cases even to their families.

“Azerbaijan’s failure to restore justice in the Mammadli case for over six years exposes the lack of effective remedy within the country and raises concerns that violations of the rights of human rights defenders may be recurring” she said, noting that she doesn’t wish to interfere with the judicial process, but she urges the Government to ensure that the investigation fully complies with its human rights obligations.

“All human rights defenders and journalists in Azerbaijan must be able to work freely and in a safe environment without intimidation and harassment, she said.