We are deeply concerned about violence, including allegations of assault, and other pressure against citizens who exercise their constitutional rights in Azerbaijan,” a State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday in response to TURAN’s request for comment on the recent assault against a leading Azerbaijani activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev.

“We urge authorities to investigate all such incidents, including those recently reported by Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, and hold those responsible accountable,” a spokesperson added.

The United States “remains strongly committed” to advancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. “And we, again, urge the government to respect their citizens’ rights, including the right to express views peacefully,” a State Department spokesperson noted.

Bakhtiyar Hajiyev reported on Monday that the Organized Crime Unit officers snatched him from a street in Baku, held for 6 hours, and freed after deleting his Facebook posts critical of the Interior Minister.

In April 2022, he was also detained, beaten, and interrogated about online posts.

Yesterday, Mr. Hajiyev officially applied for revocation of his Azerbaijani citizenship.

Source: Turan News Agency