The United States continue expressing concern over state of human rights in Azerbaijan.

Political Counselor Christopher Robinson addressed the OSCE Permanent Council, pointing at ongoing violations of human rights in Azerbaijan.

“We urge the Government of Azerbaijan to live up to its international commitments to respect freedom of association and assembly, freedom of expression and freedom of conscience,” he said in a statement.

The United States is deeply disturbed by the May 26 sentencing of Mr. Anar Mammadli on questionable charges ranging from tax evasion and illegal entrepreneurship to abuse of office and over seizure of the passports of Institute for Peace and Democracy Director Leyla Yunus and her husband.

“The investigation launched against her and another advocate of people to people efforts, journalist Rauf Mirkadirov, also has a chilling effect on civil society in Azerbaijan, especially those seeking to promote a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,” the statement reads.

“As Azerbaijan assumes greater responsibility in the international community, such as through its current chairmanship of the Council of Europe, the United States remains committed to working with Azerbaijan to advance democratic development and to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.  Regretfully, however, the space within which civil society can operate in Azerbaijan continues to be constricted by the Government of Azerbaijan.  And the trend, unfortunately, is getting worse. This is a threat to comprehensive security across the region”.