The human rights situation and the state of independent media in Azerbaijan remain a matter of concern for the EU. This was stated by the press secretary of the European Union Foreign Policy Service Peter Stano, commenting on the latest facts of arrests of journalists and political activists in Azerbaijan.

“Human rights and respect for the rule of law form the basis of the European Union’s relations with Azerbaijan. The EU will continue to participate in all forums where there is an opportunity to raise issues related to the development of the human rights situation in Azerbaijan,” Stano shared.

Recently, there have been repressions against independent journalists and activists in Azerbaijan. Director of the online publication Abzas Media Ulvi Hasanli, editor-in-chief Sevinj Vagifgyzy, journalists Nargiz Absalamova, Shamo Emina, Elnara Gasymova, as well as activist Mohammed Kekalov, who collaborated with Abzas Media, were arrested. They were accused of smuggling foreign currency. Numerous international human rights and journalistic organizations have demanded their release.