HUMAN RIGHTS IN AZERBAIJAN

That this House condemns the widespread human rights abuses carried out by authorities in Azerbaijan, which have escalated with the recent spate of politically motivated arrests of independent journalists and human rights defenders; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Khadija Ismayilova, Leyla Yunus, Intigam Aliyev, Rasul Jafarov, Anar Mammadli and other political prisoners in the country; is appalled by reports of mistreatment and torture of some of these prisoners, in particular Leyla Yunus; notes that these arrests have taken place in the context of a broader crackdown, as the authorities have worked to systematically eliminate criticism and dissent; is further concerned by the closing down of Radio Free Europe's offices in Baku; further notes the strong statement made by the UK Government in response to these arrests; and calls on the UK Government to make further representations about these and related matters.