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The EU expressed its grave concern over the new conviction and sentencing of jailed journalist Eynulla Fatullayev on drug possession charges, reads the statement of the European Union, according to Turan.

“The EU shares the view expressed by the OSCE Representative on the Freedom of the Media on 6 July 2010 that these new charges remain questionable,” the statement reads. Besides, the EU notes that they will result in Mr Fatullayev’s transfer from general prison to a more restrictive prison regime.

The EU is particularly concerned that this new judgment has been taken just two weeks before the deadline for compliance with the European Court of Human Rights’ ruling overturning the sentence imposed on Fatullayev at an earlier trial and demanding that he be immediately released from custody.

“In this regard, we refer to our PC statement of 29 April 2010 and reiterate our call on Azerbaijan to honour its obligation under Art. 46 of the European Convention on Human Rights,” the statement says.