HRW calls on to release political prisoners in Azerbaijan on eve of European Games

According to the human rights organization "Human Rights Watch" (HRW), the European Union (EU) and other international partners of Azerbaijan should insist on the release of political prisoners from prisons of the country. The human rights defenders believe that the political prisoners should be released on the eve of the European Games in Baku.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the first European Olympic Games are to be held in Baku in the period June 12-28, 2015. The preparation for the Games is being held against the background of the human rights defenders' calls to boycott the Games in connection with the human rights situation in Azerbaijan.

"The European leaders should make it clear that they will not sent delegations of top-ranking officials to the opening ceremony of the Games, unless the persons arrested and sentenced for criticizing the government are released and the authorities stop pressure on independent groups and activists," the HRW declares in its statement.

According to the HRW, the prosecution of the activists is incompatible with the principles of the Olympic Movement.

The public alliance "Azerbaijan without political prisoners" has also called on the authorities of Azerbaijan to release all political prisoners on the eve of the European games and stop the persecution of activists. This was reported by Oktai Gyulalyev, the leader of the public alliance.

Baku officials deny the cases of political persecution in the country.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.