Brussels, 20/04/2016 (Agence Europe) - During the evening of Tuesday 19 April, the European Union hailed the authorisation granted by the Azeri authorities for human rights campaigners Leyla and Arif Yunus to be able to leave Azerbaijan and join their daughter in the Netherlands.
“The compassionate decision of the Azerbaijani authorities to allow the Yunus' to leave the country (…) contributes to the enhancement of relations between the European Union and Azerbaijan”, the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini stated. Nevertheless, the EU continues to call for the complete release and rehabilitation of all those who are currently in prison or subject to restricted movement in Azerbaijan on political grounds, in line with Azerbaijan's international commitments, Mogherini's spokesperson added.
The chairperson of the European Parliament's sub-committee on human rights, Elena Valenciano (S&D, Spain) said that the authorisation granted to the Yunus' by the Supreme Court to leave Azerbaijan was “a positive humanitarian measure”. “It is reassuring to know that their medical treatment and regular follow-up can now be assured”, she added.
Arif Yunus was released from prison on 12 November 2015 (see EUROPE 11431) and his wife, Leyla, was released on 9 December (see EUROPE 11450). Both were released on medical grounds and were placed under house arrest. They had been sentenced to prison (8 years for Leyla and 7.5 years for Arif) for swindling and tax fraud, and have still not been acquitted. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)