EU High Representative Catherine Ashton regretted the August 19 decision by the Supreme Court of Azerbaijan to uphold the prison sentences against youth activists Emin Abdullayev and Adnan Hajizade.

Catherine Ashton considers that the shortcomings of the trial, notably with regards to  international standards of fairness and transparency, and its conclusion, send a negative signal with regard to the situation of freedom of expression in Azerbaijan. She also called on Azerbaijan to release Emin Abdullayev and Adnan Hajizade.

“The EU remains committed to assisting Azerbaijan in fulfilling its international commitments, including towards the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the EU, in particular with regard to  democracy, the respect for human rights, notably the right to freedom of expression, and the rule of law,” the statement by EU High Representative reads.