On Sunday 4 June, the EU urgently called on Azerbaijan to review all cases of imprisonment related to the exercise of fundamental rights.
"A review by Azerbaijan of any and all cases of incarceration related to the exercise of fundamental rights, including the freedom of expression, and immediate release of all those concerned is urgent, in line with Azerbaijan's international commitments", the spokesperson for the European External Action Service (EEAS) stated in a press release.
"The alleged abduction and illegal arbitrary detention of Azerbaijani nationals, including human rights defenders, residing in Georgia followed by their arrest and prosecution in Azerbaijan, demands swift, thorough and transparent investigation", the spokesperson said, hailing the launch of such an investigation in Georgia, as announced by that country's leadership.
Azeri investigative journalist Afgan Mukhtarli, disappeared in Georgia on 29 May and reappeared in Azerbaijan following a cross-border abduction, according to his lawyer. Political opposition activist Gozal Bayraml was also arrested on 25 May after entering Azerbaijan from Georgia.
The EEAS spokesperson said that the EU expected the due process of law to be respected, as well as the civil and political rights of citizens and those residing legally in states other than their own. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights clearly states that "no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile", the EEAS spokesperson stated, adding that the European Union would continue to follow these cases closely. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)