The EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Peter Stano, has issued a statement on the sentencing of Tofiq Yagublu, Vice Chairman of Azerbaijan's Musavat Party. The EU called on the Azerbaijani authorities to re-examine the case of Yagublu in line with Azerbaijan's international commitments.
A statement by Spokesperson, Peter Stano, issued on Friday evening (4 September) said:
''On 3 September, Mr Tofiq Yagublu, Deputy Chairman of the Musavat political party was sentenced to four years and three months' imprisonment. There are serious questions as to whether due process was observed throughout his detention and trial. While the European Union welcomes the recent registration of the Republican Alternative Party (ReAl) as a political party in Azerbaijan, the sentencing of Mr Yagublu raises questions about the authorities' commitment to protecting and enhancing political freedoms for all.
The EU calls upon the authorities to re-examine the case of Mr Yagublu, in line with Azerbaijani's international commitments.''
Source: commonspace.eu with the European External Action Service press service
