Federal Lezghi
National and Cultural Autonomy

EU Criticizes Baku About Treatment of Opposition Leader

The European Parliament has overwhelmingly passed a resolution calling for the immediate release of opposition politician Ilgar Mammadov, who has been detained since February.

 

All major political parties at the Strasbourg chamber also demanded an end to his prosecution, saying Baku should "investigate the charges against him in a speedy, fair, transparent, and independent manner."

 

EU lawmakers said they are concerned about "the alleged use of fabricated charges against politicians, activists, and journalists" in the Caucasus country.

 

The resolution underlines the perceived need for Azerbaijan to respect freedom of the press, expression, and assembly.

 

It calls for reform of all aspects of the judicial system. It also calls on EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso to speak out about the EU's concerns when he meets with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev in Brussels on June 21.

.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

.