Azerbaijani authorities reject criticism on verdict to Leyla and Arif Yunus

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) condemns and treats as unacceptable the politicization of the verdict in the case of Leyla and Arif Yunus, said Khikmet Gadjiev, the head of the press service of the MFA.

The allegations about restrictions for monitoring the trial of the Yunus couple "are groundless," said Khikmet Gadjiev.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on August 13, the Baku Court has sentenced Leyla Yunus to 8.5 years of imprisonment and her husband Arif Yunus to 7 years in prison. Leyla Yunus, the Director of the Institute of Peace and Democracy (IPD), and her husband Arif Yunus, a political analyst, were accused of economic crimes and treason. Both completely denied their guilt.

Officials of the United Kingdom and the United States link the verdict with human rights activities of the Yunus spouses.

Deep concern about the situation in Azerbaijan with human rights was expressed on August 13 by David Lidington, the Minister for European Affairs of Great Britain, in his statement.

"Some aspects of the case give grounds to say that the decision of the court is politically motivated. These aspects include the non-admission of diplomats and other observers to the trial. Of particular concern is the sharp deterioration of health of Leyla and Arif Yunus," states the press release of Mr Lidington disseminated by the British Embassy in Baku.

Concerns about the verdict to the Yunus spouses were also expressed by John Kirby, the spokesman of the US Department of State.

According to his statement, "the charges against the spouses are related solely to their human rights activities."

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