25/01/2017 (Agence Europe) – The EU stately clearly on Tuesday 24 January that the Kyrgyz authorities must ensure that the appeal trial of human rights activist Azimjan Askarov is fully in line with international human rights norms. Earlier in the day a regional court confirmed the life sentence passed on Askarov, dismissing all the points put forward by the UN Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) published on 21 April 2016 (see EUROPE 11539). The UNHRC was persuaded that Askarov’s human rights had been violated and called for his immediate release. “Full compliance with its international human rights obligations, including the opinions of the UNHRC, is essential to maintain the international standing of the Kyrgyz Republic, known and appreciated for its commitment to democracy”, said the spokesperson for the European External Action Service in a press release. (CG)