Strasbourg, 15 June 2017 – Before today’s discussion and voting by the plenary session on the Resolution on the Case of Azerbaijanian Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli, MEP Željana Zovko met with Mr. Mukhtarli’s wife Leyla Mustafeyev.
Leyla Mustafeyev informed the meeting attendants about how her husband, who had criticized the Azerbaijanian government in his articles, had been kidnapped, arrested and put to a three-month detention following bogus charges. She asked for MEPs’ support.
MEP Zovko, the author of the Resolution, said at the meeting with Leyla Mustafeyev that silent diplomacy was needed in the journalists Mukhtarli’s case in order to release him and other political prisoners from jail.
“Azerbaijan must meet all its obligations in order for the new agreement and partnership with the European Union to be established on the sound basis and mutual trust. The adopted Resolution on the Case of Azerbaijanian Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli is not aimed at sending a message to Azerbaijan that the EU intends to cut all relations with Azerbaijan, but it should rather be viewed as an extended hand of support and assistance in looking for a solution and model for transforming Azerbaijan into a democratic, inclusive and tolerant society.“ – said Zovko.