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OSCE Special Representative welcomes release of political activists in Azerbaijan
Gernot Erler, Special Representative of the Federal Government for Germany’s OSCE Chairmanship and Coordinator for Intersocietal Cooperation with Russia, Central Asia and the Eastern Partnership Countries, issued the following statement today on the decision by the Supreme Court of Azerbaijan to release the lawyer and human rights defender Intiqam Aliyev from prison on 28 March 2016:
Intiqam Aliyev’s release on probation and the pardoning of further imprisoned political activists and journalists a few days ago are a hopeful sign. With these actions, Azerbaijan is taking an important step towards implementing the essential OSCE commitments to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
I am convinced that continuing down this path can help to build trust and strengthen political stability in Azerbaijan and throughout the region. As the current holder of the OSCE Chairmanship, Germany will continue to actively assist and support this process.
