After the authorities of Azerbaijan had reported that 91 percent of the population approved radical changes, including extension of the presidential office term, as a result of the constitutional referendum, the US Congress made the following statement:

“It is clear that the package of constitutional changes put to a vote yesterday is designed to degrade checks on the power of the president. Regardless of the final tally, this referendum is the culmination of a process that lacks legitimacy.

The Azerbaijani government has taken such a significant changes in the Azerbaijani people deprived of their basic rights, which are necessary for the free discussion of the issues being examined. For weeks, authorities arrested and prosecuted journalists, political activists and stifling their voices that oppose the changes.

Only a year ago, Azerbaijan blocked OSCE election observation of its parliamentary elections, illustrating Baku’s unwillingness to allow its citizens to cast ballots consistent with its OSCE commitments. I remain deeply concerned that this illegitimate process will further delay the democratic future Azerbaijanis desire and deserve. I renew my call for the Government of Azerbaijan to release all prisoners of conscience and drop charges and travel bans against them and their colleagues in civil society serving suspended sentences,” says the statement.

As reported earlier, on September 8 Smith and other Congressmen wrote a letter to Aliev about suggested changes in the constitution.  In December of 2015 Smith introduced a bill to the Congress, which implied sanctions against the Azeri government officials unless Baku releases political prisoners, ends harassment of the civil society, and holds free elections.