Council of Europe Commissioner for Human rights Nils Muižnieks commented on human rights problems in Azerbaijan.

Speaking at the PACE session, he touched upon the situation in Azerbaijan in the run-up to the European Games, Turan reports. Referring to the fact that political prisoners remain in the Azerbaijani prisons in Baku in the run-up to the European Games, Muižnieks expressed hope that in deciding on the question of setting free the activists, the humanitarian aspects will also be considered.   

The Commissioner also hopes that France’s President Francois Hollande will raise these questions before the Azerbaijani leadership during his visit to Baku.

“Having returned to your countries, tell your sportsmen what country they are going to,” the Commissioner said, stating about the unacceptability of ignoring human rights problems in Azerbaijan.