Vagif Sadikhov

Deputy Foreign Minister Vagif Sadikhov discussed with Lars Hansen, first secretary of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, and Peter Ziegler, representative of the German embassy, the statements issued by the embassies on 11 and 12 November respectively.

Vagif Sadikhov informed the diplomats that the Azerbaijani side had read some judgments in both statements with surprise and a feeling of deep regret, News.Az reports, quoting the Foreign Ministry press service.

Sadikhov said that the trial had been conducted in accordance with Azerbaijani legislation and procedural rules, with provision of court transparency and conditions for media coverage.

“Judgments expressed in the embassy statements are completely groundless and are evaluated as interference in internal affairs and unacceptable, as well as falling short of our countries' relations and damaging their development,” Sadikhov said.

Both diplomats said they would bring Azerbaijan's position to the notice of their official bodies.

In its statement on 11 November, the Norwegian embassy expressed regret at the court case against Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade. "The embassy has followed the court proceedings closely," the statement said. "The case raises serious questions about the rule of law and freedom of expression in Azerbaijan. We urge that a possible appeal process is conducted in a fair and transparent manner."

The activists, Emin Milli, and Adnan Hajizade, were sentenced on 11 November to two years and six months imprisonment and two years respectively. They were arrested after an incident at the Lebanese restaurant in Baku on 8 July 2009 and convicted under Criminal Code Article 127.2.3 (deliberately causing minor injury) and 221.2.1 (hooliganism).

Edi Black
News.Az