FCO statement on sentencing of Azerbaijan human rights defender
UK deeply troubled by sentencing of Rasul Jafarov
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.