Release From Pre-Trial Detention of Mehman Aliyev

The United States notes positively the September 11, release from pre-trial detention of Mehman Aliyev, the respected editor-in-chief of the Turan News Agency. We ask the government to drop the remaining charges against him and allow Turan to perform its important work unhindered. We further call on the authorities to build on this positive step by taking action to strengthen freedom of expression and other human rights in Azerbaijan. We continue to urge the government of Azerbaijan to release all those incarcerated for exercising their fundamental freedoms.