EU 'concerned' by persecution of rights activists in Azerbaijan

BRUSSELS. Jan 13 (Interfax) - The European External Action Service (EEAS) has released a statement expressing alarm at the situation of human rights campaigners in Azerbaijan.

"The European Union is concerned by the detention of human rights defenders and political activists Bakhtiyar Hajiyev and Tofig Yagublu as well as the recent extension of the pre-trial detention terms of Elchin Sadigov and Avaz Zeynalli. We urge the Azerbaijani authorities to release those who are imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights and to lift restrictions against Elchin Sadiqov," the statement, published in Brussels on Friday, said.

The EU "remains committed to continue the dialogue and cooperation on human rights with Azerbaijan and to promote democratic reforms" in the country, it said.