On September 1, the Baku Court of Grave Crimes sentenced award-winning investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova to 7 years and 6 months in prison,
Meydan TV
reported earlier.
EU high representative Federica Mogherini and Neighbourhood Commissioner Johannes Hahn issued a statement condemning the sentence,
contact.az
reported.
It is “a sign of the difficult situation faced by independent journalists in Azerbaijan.” the statement read. “The trial raised fundamental questions on the impartiality of the court and the legality of the accusation, as witnessed by the international monitors who were present during the trial.”
The EU called on the “Azerbaijan authorities to review her case in a transparent and fair process, in full respect of the country’s international commitments, including on media freedom”.
