[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 138 (Thursday, September 24, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S6933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           DETENTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN AZERBAIJAN

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, last year I expressed my grave concern 
about the Government of Azerbaijan's harassment and imprisonment of 
human rights defenders, journalists, and other civil society activists. 
Since then, the state of human rights in Azerbaijan has further 
deteriorated amid condemnation from President Obama and officials of 
other governments, as well as the European Union and the United Nations 
High Commissioner for Human Rights. I, too, wish to reiterate my dismay 
at the mistreatment of these brave individuals, and call for the 
release of all political prisoners in Azerbaijan, including Leyla and 
Arif Yunus.
  Imprisoned and denied access to justice for over a year, Leyla and 
Arif Yunus are examples of the many activists and critics of the 
government whom President Ilham Aliyev seeks to silence. Their arrest 
last year coincided with the release of their report on politically 
motivated detentions, and since then their health has reportedly 
suffered significantly. Recently they were sentenced to 8\1/2\ and 7 
years in prison, respectively, and face further prosecution.
  Leyla and Arif Yunus, and all other political prisoners in Azerbaijan 
including journalist Khadija Ismayilova, who on September 1 was 
sentenced to 7\1/2\ years, should be freed immediately. In addition, 
and in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights to which 
it is party, the Government of Azerbaijan, which recently chaired the 
Council of Europe, should uphold the provisions of its own constitution 
and end the persecution of civil society members, journalists, and 
political activists who are guilty of nothing more than peaceful 
expression.

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