The EU welcomed Azerbaijan President’s New Year pardon for some prisoners, including journalists and opposition activists, but urged Baku to comply with its international commitment to protect media freedom following the decision to close Radio Free Europe bureau, a spokesperson of the High Representative Federica Mogherini said in a statement.
“The New Year pardon announced by President Aliyev for several prisoners, including a number of journalists and opposition youth activists held in detention, is a welcome step.
At the same time a decision to close the Baku bureau of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty contravening Azerbaijan’s international commitments to protect media freedom has been taken.
Restoring the international community’s faith in the commitment of Azerbaijan to the freedom of expression, a free and independent media, and to the rule of law will require consistent efforts of the authorities in Baku,” the spokesperson said in the statement.
