State Department is deeply troubled by restrictions on civil society activities, including on journalists in Azerbaijan, Mare Harf said during a briefing in Washington on Friday.

Moreover, Washington is “increasingly concerned that the government there is not living up to its international commitments and obligations when it comes to these issues”, she said asked about the arrest of famous journalist Khadija Ismailova in Azerbaijan.

Loudest critic of Azerbaijani government Khadija Ismailova was arrested on Friday evening. She is charged with inciting a person to commit suicide. If convicted, Ismailova may face up to seven years in prison.

“Folks on the ground certainly have raised this issue with them many, many times,” Marie Harf added.

The arrest of a journalist was condemned by a number of international organizations.