2017: Azerbaijan: Rashad Ramazanov
The Azerbaijani writer and blogger Rashad Ramazanov has been moved into solitary confinement . Mr. Ramazanov was charge with possession of drugs, however, PEN believes his detention is politically motivated and connected to mr. Ramazanov’s anti-government writing.
Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Barnhusgatan 3
SE-11 23 Stockholm
azerembassy@gmail.com
Oslo, 31.01.2017
Your Excellences,
Norwegian PEN is deeply concerned about the health and well-being of writer and blogger Rashad Ramazanov, who has been moved into solitary confinement at Baku Prison #2, where he is serving a nine-year sentence for his anti-government writings. Ramazanov suffer from several medical problems, and there is now serious concerns for his well-being and physical integrity. He is also being denied family visits and access to his lawyer.
Azerbaijan has its obligations under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to protect the right to freedom of expression.
PEN protest the detention of Ramazanov on politically motivated charges, and call on the Azerbaijan authorities to release him immediately and unconditionally and to overturn his conviction and sentence.
Yours sincerely,
Ms Brit Bildøen
Chair of Writers in Prison Committee
Norwegian PEN
COPY: The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
