Brussels, 10/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - The High Representative is "very concerned" by the conviction of four people who took part in a peaceful demonstration on 2 April, her spokesperson states in a press release. Catherine Ashton takes the view that "these convictions are not consistent with Azerbaijan's efforts to progress towards pluralist democracy and are a discouraging signal". Three of the demonstrators were sentenced to two and a half years' imprisonment and the fourth to two years of house arrest.
Catherine Ashton called on the judiciary to ensure a "fair, transparent and evidence-based" appeals process. She also reiterated her concerns about the increasingly challenging working environment for independent lawyers.
The EU's delegation to Azerbaijan has been asked to follow developments in the situation very closely and to continue to help the country to honour its commitments regarding democracy and the rule of law, the spokesperson to Catherine Ashton stated. (CG/transl.fl)