The United States are concerned by the arrest and pretrial detention of Azerbaijani journalist Khadija Ismayilova, State Department representative Jen Psaki said.

“We’re deeply troubled by increased restrictions on civil society activities, including on journalists, in Azerbaijan. We are increasingly concerned that the government is not living up to its international human rights commitments and obligations,” Psaki said during the Wednesday briefing.

She urged the Azerbaijani government to respect the universal rights of its citizens and allow them to freely express their views.

“Azerbaijan will be best able to ensure its future stability and prosperity by allowing a more open society. We have, of course, raised the increased restrictions on civil society and freedom of press at multiple levels in both Washington and abroad with the Government of Azerbaijan officials. I don’t have anything specific as it relates to this individual case”.

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.