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FCO statement on sentencing of Azerbaijan human rights defender

UK deeply troubled by sentencing of Rasul Jafarov

• From: British Embassy Baku
• Published: 17 April 2015

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

A Foreign Office Spokesperson said:

The United Kingdom is deeply troubled by the sentencing of Rasul Jafarov to six and a half years, following questionable allegations of tax evasion, illegal business activity, and abuse of authority. A respected member of civil society, Mr Jafarov was an important advocate for human rights in Azerbaijan.

This case has highlighted once again concerns about the selective application of the rule of law in Azerbaijan. The UK repeats its call for Azerbaijan to respect the principles of justice and reverse this worrying trend.

Published 17 April 2015