Imprisoned Political Activists Appeal to the President of the European Commission

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen is expected to visit Azerbaijan on 1 July. A group of imprisoned political activists, including Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, have addressed a letter from prison to the President of the European Commission.

We publish the letter in full:

We welcome the positive momentum that has recently been observed in relations between the European Union and Azerbaijan. The development of ties in areas such as energy, transport, economic cooperation, and regional stability is a positive process that serves the interests of both sides and creates important opportunities for a long-term partnership.

At the same time, we believe that sustainable, reliable, and long-term relations between the European Union and Azerbaijan must not be built solely on strategic and economic interests. Respect for human rights, the rule of law, and fundamental freedoms must be an integral and essential pillar of this cooperation.

Ahead of your planned visit to Azerbaijan, we call on you to keep the issue of human rights at the center of your discussions with the Azerbaijani leadership. We hope that the European Union will openly and firmly call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners held in Azerbaijan, while also emphasizing the importance of taking real steps to ensure fundamental rights and freedoms in the country.

We also hope that, unlike previous high-level visits, your program will include meetings with independent journalists, bloggers, human rights defenders, and representatives of civil society who continue their work despite serious difficulties and risks.

Such meetings would demonstrate the European Union’s commitment not only to strategic partnership, but also to the fundamental values on which it is founded: human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. They would also provide important moral support to those in Azerbaijan who are working peacefully and lawfully for rights and freedoms.

We believe that truly sustainable and reliable cooperation is possible only when it is based not only on mutual interests, but also on shared values and respect for human rights.

We hope that during your visit, the issue of human rights will be raised as an integral part of cooperation between the European Union and Azerbaijan, and that you will demonstrate a clear and principled position on this matter.