The Council of Europe has called on the Azerbaijani leadership to release political prisoners from prison
Civic activists, human rights defenders, political activists, journalists and lawyers are being persecuted in Azerbaijan. This was stated by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O'Flaherty.
 
"We ask the Azerbaijani authorities to release all human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists who are imprisoned for their legitimate activities or for expressing dissenting or critical opinions. And also to drop criminal charges against them and the restrictions associated with them, including the ban on traveling abroad," the appeal says.
 
In addition, Michael O'Flaherty asks the Azerbaijani authorities "to conduct an effective investigation into allegations of ill-treatment of several human rights defenders, journalists and activists in police custody, and to ensure that their rights to access to a lawyer and adequate medical care are respected."
 
The Advisory Committee of the Council of Europe has also published another report on the rights of national minorities in Azerbaijan. It states that Azerbaijan, as a multi-ethnic country, strives to promote ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious tolerance and respect. The rights of persons belonging to national minorities are protected by the Constitution. However, this alone is not sufficient to guarantee full and effective equality of rights. Moreover, restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and association limit the opportunities of persons belonging to national minorities, the report emphasizes.
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