The Coordinating Center of Azerbaijani Political Emigrants (ASİMKOM) has issued a statement to U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance ahead of his planned visit to Baku, urging him to raise the issue of political prisoners during his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev.

According to Factor.am , ASİMKOM emphasized the urgency of addressing the deteriorating human rights situation in Azerbaijan, especially concerning political prisoners.

“Hundreds of individuals, including journalists, opposition activists and leaders, human rights defenders, and civil society representatives, are currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan for political reasons. At least 340 people have been recognized as political prisoners.

This situation constitutes a clear violation of Azerbaijan’s international obligations and of universally recognized fundamental rights and freedoms. The principled stance of the United States on political prisoners in countries such as Belarus and Venezuela has created important and encouraging precedents. We hope that a similarly firm and decisive position could have a significant and positive impact on dialogue with the Azerbaijani leadership, particularly by calling for the unconditional release of political prisoners,” the statement reads.

Vance is expected to visit Armenia on February 9 as part of a regional tour before heading to Azerbaijan.