The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a new resolution on June 24, expressing serious concern about the systemic suppression of dissent in Azerbaijan, highlighting the country's low ranking in the Press Freedom Index and documenting the restrictive legal framework against mass media, political parties and NGOs.
The report condemns Azerbaijan's non-participation in the work of the Assembly, it is noted that there are many decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, which require Azerbaijan to fulfill its obligations in the field of human rights.
The resolution calls for immediate release of political prisoners, proper investigation of abuses against journalists. At the same time, the organization urges member states and observers to take diplomatic measures to secure their release.
The document also calls on international organizations to support refugee Azerbaijani activists in providing asylum and reject politically motivated extradition.
The Assembly intends to monitor Azerbaijan's observance of democratic norms.
68 MPs voted for the document prepared by the Culture, Science, Education and Media Committee, 8 against, 6 abstained.
