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 The International Partnership Group for Azerbaijan (12 international organizations) welcomes the recent decision of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers calling for the Azerbaijani authorities to execute the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of imprisoned Azerbaijani journalist Eynulla Fatullayev. The group is deeply concerned that Fatullayev remains wrongfully imprisoned and calls for his immediate and unconditional release.

“Azerbaijan has blatantly flouted its international commitments by keeping Fatullayev behind bars. This not only undermines the Council of Europe’s credibility but erodes press freedom for all Council members. Sanctions are appropriate if Azerbaijan continues to mock the rule of law and hold Fatullayev”, said Nina Ognianova of the Committee to Protect Journalists.

The Council of Europe Committee of Ministers released its second decision regarding the case of Fatullayev v. Azerbaijan on 11 March 2011, following the Committee’s debate on the case during its human rights meeting. In the decision, the Committee “noted with serious concern” that Fatullayev remained in prison and called on the Azerbaijani authorities “to remove without further delay” all obstacles to the implementation of the European Court’s judgment in his case.