US URGES AZERBAIJAN TO RELEASE HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER LEYLA YUNUS
13:28, 16 Oct 2014
“The United States is alarmed that human rights defender Leyla
Yunus remains in pre-trial detention in Azerbaijan, without access
to necessary medical care, despite her deteriorating health,” State
Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement.
“We are also especially concerned about continued threats to Leyla
Yunus’ physical security. On humanitarian grounds, we urge the
Government of Azerbaijan to immediately grant Leyla Yunus access
to independent medical evaluation and care, security, and improved
conditions,” she added.
The US urges the Government of Azerbaijan to respect the rule of law
and to release those incarcerated for exercising fundamental freedoms,
starting with those with serious medical conditions.
“This would include Leyla and her husband Arif, whose deteriorating
health make their release particularly urgent. It is in Azerbaijan’s
interest to ensure that its citizens are afforded the dignity, human
rights, and fundamental freedoms to which all citizens are entitled
under Azerbaijan’s international obligations,” Psaki concluded.