In Azerbaijan, pardoned political prisoners declare intention to continue their activities

Avaz Zeinalov, a journalist; Zaur Gurbanly and Uzeir Mamedli, activists of the movement "Nida"; and Gurban Mamedov, a lawyer, who were pardoned by the President of Azerbaijan and who were recognized as political prisoners by human rights defenders, declared their intention to continue their professional and social activities.

Avaz Zeinalov plans to restore the newspaper "Khural", and Zaur Gurbanly and Uzeir Mamedli intend to seek the release of their imprisoned colleagues. Gurban Mamedov plans to continue his advocacy.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on December 29, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev signed a decree to pardon 87 prisoners. According to human rights defenders, the number includes 10 political prisoners.

Avaz Zeinalov, the editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Khural", has stated he intends to restore his newspaper. Meanwhile, he believes the work in the new environment will be "even more difficult."

The journalist also intends to seek the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) to grant his complaint, and he believes it will be complete rehabilitation.

Avaz Zeinalov has stated he appreciates the contribution of the media, international organizations, and human rights defenders, who did much for his release. In particular, he has noted the contribution of journalist Khadija Ismayilova and human rights defender Leyla Yunus, who themselves are imprisoned now.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.