15/01/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Sunday 14 January, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service stated that the six-year sentence handed out to Azeri journalist Afgan Mukhtarli posed "serious questions as regards the exercise of fundamental rights including the freedom of expression and media, and due process of law" in Azerbaijan. Mukhtarli is accused of illegally crossing the border, smuggling and using violence against a representative of authority. Mukhtarli was abducted in Georgia in May, then arrested and charged in Azerbaijan (see EUROPE 11802 and 11809). These are events which continue "to demand thorough and transparent investigation", the spokesperson states in press release. "All cases of incarceration related to the exercise of fundamental rights should be reviewed urgently by Azerbaijan, followed by the release of all those concerned, in line with Azerbaijan's international commitments", the EEAS spokesperson stated. (CG)