Azerbaijani embassy protests Austrian foreign minister`s statement

Vienna, November 29, AZERTAC Azerbaijani embassy to Austria has released a press release protesting the country`s minister of foreign affairs Sebastian Kurz`s statement. The press release reads: The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Republic of Austria expresses its regret over the public statement distributed by the Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz regarding the Baku Court of Appeal verdict on the case of Khadija Ismayilova. It should be stressed that Ms. Ismayilova was tried not because of her journalistic activities, but for the specific violations of provisions of the Tax Code, in particular misappropriation in large amount of money and illegal entrepreneurship. The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan in his remarks on September 1, 2015, underlined that the Azerbaijani side “…strongly condemns and considers unacceptable interference in the court procedure on the case of Ms. Khadija Ismayilova, politicization of the court decision and attempts to distort its essence as well political statements made on this purely judicial issue. Regrettably, a biased approach such as an interference in and pressure on the investigation, and attempts to politicize it was witnessed even while the charges against Ms. Khadija Ismayilova were still under investigation. These attempts are considered as a direct interference in the matters of direct jurisdiction of Azerbaijan. As stated previously by the Foreign Ministry the independence of judiciary and the rule of law are fully ensured in Azerbaijan. Courts verdicts must be respected. Every citizen has the right to appeal a court verdict as prescribed by law.” The Embassy is of the strong view that a selective approach to the issues of respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms is not in line with a spirit of friendly and partnership relations existing between Azerbaijan and Austria. In this regard, continuing a practice of holding bilateral political and security consultations may offer an ample opportunity to address a wide range of issues of interest for both sides.