The European Union External Action has issued a statement in connection with the decisions of Azerbaijani courts to sentence N!DA young activists Bayram Mammadov and Giyas Ibrahimov, contact.az reports.

According to the statement, the harsh ten-year sentences handed down to them along with allegations of ill-treatment during their detention are particularly worrying. 

''The European Union has been following their cases closely and was present at both their trials, including the latter's hearing yesterday in Baku,'' the document reads.

Both activists didn't have prior convictions and were arrested a day after an act of political graffiti. They admitted having painted the graffiti but continue to deny the drug-related charges.

The European Union urged the Azerbaijani authorities to review these cases in a fair and transparent manner, in full respect of the country's international commitments. ''Allegations of ill-treatment or torture must be thoroughly, independently and effectively investigated,'' the statement says.  

Earlier, Bayram Mammadov and Giyas Ibrahimov painted a defiant message on the statue of Azerbaijan’s former president – on the eve of his birthday. The following day they were arrested and jailed on sham drug charges.