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Azerbaijan must uphold European human rights standards and move from promises to real promotion of basic freedoms, the Council of Europe's commissioner for human rights Nils Muiznieks said on Monday, “Reuters” news agency reports.

As the agency notes, the West, because of its role as an alternative to Russia in supplying oil and gas to Europe tries caters to Azerbaijan. Rights groups accuse Azerbaijan of muzzling dissent and jailing opponents, charges the government denies.

Nils Muiznieks said he had seen no progress toward greater freedom of expression since a visit to the oil-producing Caspian Sea state in November. "I am concerned by reports of increasing repression and restrictions on basic human rights," he said in an emailed response to questions.

According to him “it appears that the authorities are seeking to muzzle civil society and independent thinkers.”

"It is crucial that Azerbaijan, as a member of the Council of Europe, uphold all human rights standards to which it is bound. If not, it risks undermining its credibility within the European system of human rights protection," Muiznieks said.

Reuters reminds that police fired water cannon and rubber bullets on March 10 to disperse a crowd demonstrating against violence in the military in the capital, Baku, and detained dozens of protesters. “Last week, a court sentenced Avaz Zeynally, editor of the Khural daily, to nine years in prison for extortion, a charge he says is a baseless government reprisal for a story criticizing senior officials,” the agency says.

"I regret to see this abrupt setback," Muiznieks said and added he was hoping to see actions, not just to hear words.