Norway concerned by arrests of activists in Azerbaijan

‘The arrest of several people with links to the opposition, including Natiq Jafarli of the Republican Alternative movement, gives cause for concern,’ said State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tore Hattrem.

Over the past few days, several activists with links to opposition groups in Azerbaijan have been imprisoned. The arrests come in the run-up to a referendum on a series of constitutional amendments that would strengthen the power of the presidency in the country.

‘Norway urges Azerbaijan to ensure respect for freedom of expression, association and assembly, in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights, which it has ratified,’ Mr Hattrem said.

(MFA)