US calls on Azerbaijan and Georgia to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms

Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State Vedant Patel said at a press briefing that the United States is deeply concerned about reports of the detention of human rights defender Rufat Safarov in Azerbaijan.

“We’re closely monitoring this case. It’s imperative that human rights defenders everywhere are able to conduct their work without hindrance and free and – fear from retribution. And we continue to urge Azerbaijan to release all of those unjustly detained and to cease its crackdown on civil society, including human rights defenders and journalists,” Patel said.

Referring to the protests and clashes with police in Georgia, Patel noted that the U.S. condemns the excessive use of force by police against Georgian protesters seeking to exercise their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, including their ability to peacefully protest. “The U.S. is deeply concerned by reports of the detention and assault of journalists, and recognizing that a free press, we believe, is a cornerstone of a democratic system. We’re continuing to call on all sides to ensure protests remain peaceful, and we are urging the Georgian Government to strictly respect the rule of law, human rights, and fundamental freedoms,” Patel noted.