USA calls on Azerbaijan to respect freedom of speech
AzerbaijanWashington has called upon the Azerbaijani government to demonstrate respect for freedom of speech and take proper action to ensure the security of Akram Aylisli, the writer jailed recently over a book scandal.
At a daily press briefing on Wednesday, Spokesperson for the Department of StateVictoria Nuland said they are closely following the developments related to the persecutions against the writer, Salamnews reports.
The controversial novel, Stone Bridge (2012), is dedicated to the former Armenian residents of Soviet Azerbaijan. A central figure there is an Azerbaijani from Agulis , who tried to assist the Armenians during the pogroms in Baku and Sumgait (late 1980s and early 1990s).
“We have been watching this very closely. It’s our understanding today that the Modern Musavat party has now rescinded the offer and law enforcement authorities have called in this individual for questioning, which is the right way for this to go. Obviously, we strongly support and believe in respect for freedom of expression. We urge the Azerbaijani Government to uphold its commitments to protect the safety and security of Mr. Aylisli and all of its citizens,” Nuland said in her comments.