The Royal Norwegian Embassy notes with regret the decision of the Garadagh district court in the case against the renowned journalist and editor Eynulla Fatullayev. This verdict comes at a time when Azerbaijan is expected to release Fatullayev, following the acquittal of the charges formerly brought against him by the European Court of Human Rights.
The previous and current sentencing of Fatullayev has become an unfortunate stumbling block on Azerbaijan’s path towards a future in the European and Euro-Atlantic communities, where the country rightfully belongs. We believe the time is ripe for Azerbaijan to take further steps in this direction. The continued imprisonment of Fatullayev can only serve as a detriment in this respect.
Norway calls on Azerbaijani authorities not to let the new verdict stand in the way of a full implementation of the verdict from the European Court of Human Rights.
Further progress towards democracy and human rights in Azerbaijan as the country prepares for parliamentary elections in November would also help bolster the mutually beneficial co-operation between our countries and broaden the scope of our already substantial relationship.