In his statement published on December 21, EU Foreign Affairs Chief Peter Stano noted that the arrests of journalists and activists in Azerbaijan are of serious concern and called for the release of those arrested for exercising their fundamental rights and the provision of free and open space for freedom of expression and independent journalism.

The EU stressed that human rights, including fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, are important elements of relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union. "In this context, the recent unjustified arrest of journalists Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgizi, Muhammad Kekalov, Aziz Orujov, Rufat Muradli, Nargiz Absalamova, Teymur Karimov, Ibrahim Humbatov, as well as Hafiz Babali narrows the space for independent journalism and restricts freedom of expression in violation of Azerbaijan's international obligations," the statement added.

The EU also expressed regret over the arrest of human rights activist Ilhamiz Guliyev and opposition leader Tofig Yagublu and the extension of the pre-trial detention period of Gubad Ibadoglu and Bakhtiyar Hajiyev. In addition, on November 27, Aziz Orujov, the head and founder of "Kanal 13" internet television, was arrested and accused of violating property rights. Orujov was later charged with smuggling. "Kanal 13" employee Rufat Muradli was sentenced to 30 days of administrative detention on December 7. Access to " Kanal 13" was restricted by a court decision on December 11.

In December, Teymur Karimov, director of "Kanal 11" internet television, and Ibrahim Humbatov, head of "azerinfo. az" news site, were arrested on charges of extorting money.

Azerbaijan responds

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan does not accept the statement of the European Union regarding the detention of journalists and political activists in Azerbaijan.

"We consider such unfounded and biased statements as attempts to interfere with the independence of the judiciary in Azerbaijan. It is unacceptable to interfere with the course of the investigation, and interfering with the work of the judicial process is contrary to the principle of the rule of law, which is the main principle of the rule of law," Aykhan Hajizada, the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also recommended that the European Union pay attention to human rights violations in other countries and member states. "In light of the above, such biased and unfair statements of the EU are considered interference in Azerbaijan's internal affairs. These baseless allegations are damaging the development prospects of Azerbaijan and EU relations," Hajizada said.