Azeri opposition bloc appeals to CE over 'political prisoners'

It said that since Azerbaijan's admission to the Council of Europe, the political prisoners issue remains one of the most disputable issued between the organization and the government, AssA-Irada informed.

"Although this is one of the commitments assumed before the CE, the problem remains resolved. The absence of independent courts and their acting directly on instructions from the authorities deprive political prisoners of the opportunity to defend themselves. Actions and methods contradicting civil norms are regularly taken against persons arrested on political motives."

Azadlig said further said that due to the arbitrariness on the part of government officials, engaging in political activity and dissent have become life-threatening for citizens.

"Therefore, Azerbaijan's obligations to the CE on the unequivocal solution of the political prisoners problem should be taken more seriously. To address the problem, it is necessary to appoint again a special rapporteur to deal with it and discuss the issue at one of the PACE's upcoming sessions," the statement said.

/AzerNEWS/