Statement by the Spokesperson on the sentencing of Mr Intigam Aliyev, a prominent Human Rights Lawyer in Azerbaijan

The sentence of seven and a half years imprisonment and a further three-year ban on holding public office handed down to prominent human rights lawyer Intigam Aliyev by an Azerbaijani Court is a further demonstration of the increasingly difficult  situation faced by human rights defenders in Azerbaijan.

This harsh sentence is disproportionate to the alleged offences, while serious shortcomings witnessed by international monitors during the trial raise fundamental questions as to the legality of these procedures.

The authorities in Azerbaijan need to ensure that Mr Aliyev is given the opportunity to appeal this verdict in a fair and unbiased process.

Azerbaijan must fully abide by its international commitments and work towards establishing trust in the independence of its judicial system.