The United States deplore the deteriorating situation for civil society in Azerbaijan, notably for journalists and media outlets, Chargé d’Affaires of US delegation to OSCE Kate Byrnes said addressing the OSCE Permanent Council.

“We urge Azerbaijan to adhere to its commitments and to allow its citizens to express their views freely without fear of reprisal,” she said, responding to a report by OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic.

Kate Byrnes added that the report cites actions taken by Azerbaijani authorities over the past six months that appear intended to interfere with independent media and punish critical voice.