US accused of interference in Azerbaijan’s domestic affairs

Hikmat Hajiyev, a spokesman for the ministry, said the statement amounts to interference in Azerbaijan’s internal affairs.

"The rule of law, the protection of freedom and independence of the judicial system is fully ensured in Azerbaijan,” Hajiyev said. "No one is persecuted for political activities and views in Azerbaijan and the country fully complies with its international obligations.” 

Hajiyev said Rasul Jafarov was found guilty of tax evasion, misappropriation and other illegal activities.

"Everybody is equal before law and activities on protection of human rights do not exempt anybody from liability,” he said.

Marie Harf, acting spokesperson for the US Department of State, said on April 16:

"We are deeply troubled by the April 16 decision of an Azerbaijani court to sentence prominent human rights activist Rasul Jafarov to a six and a half - year prison term on charges widely considered to be politically motivated. 

"A founder and chairman of the Human Rights Club, Jafarov was arrested last August as part of a broad crackdown on human rights activists. His conviction is a further setback to Azerbaijan’s democratic development. We urge the Government of Azerbaijan to abide by its international commitments and respect the rights of its citizens. As a first step, we urge the authorities to release Mr. Jafarov and others incarcerated in connection with exercising their fundamental freedoms. Doing so would strengthen the country’s long-term stability and our bilateral relationship.”