U.S. embassy in Baku condemns arrests of potential revolutionists in AzerbaijanMarch 8, 2011 - 12:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. embassy in Baku made a statement with respect to the arrest of and physical pressure on youth activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev. “U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Matthew Bryza and the U.S. embassy closely follow the report on detainment of Bakhtiyar Hajiyev in Gandja on March 4, specifically, the reports about insulting him and depriving him of legal advice. We urge the Azerbaijani government to observe the rule of law, conduct a relevant process, as well as under the Azerbaijani legislation secure all the rights of Hajiyev as a defendant, including the right to legal advice and medical aid, if needed,” reads the March 7 statement of the U.S. embassy in Baku. Currently, the embassy keeps in touch with relevant structures of the Azerbaijani government to obtain information on the case initiated against Hajiev and his detainment. “We will also closely follow the cases of other youth activists arrested recently,” reads the statement of the embassy. Three youth activists were arrested during a month. Jabbar Savalan was arrested on February 5 on charges of illegal drug possession. Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, who was arrested on March 4, is accused of draft dodging. Dayanat Babayev was convicted to 11 days of administrative arrest on charges of public order violation. However, the local democratic public believes that all the three young people have been arrested on political grounds. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |