Criminal Charges Against Institute for Peace and Democracy Director Leyla Yunus in Azerbaijan
July 31, 2014
Marie Harf
Deputy Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
The criminal charges levied against prominent human rights defender Leyla Yunus and her husband Arif Yunus on July 30
are deeply concerning and represent a further restriction on peaceful civil society activities in Azerbaijan. Ms. Yunus
is being held in pre-trial detention despite a serious health condition. Mr. Yunus also has a serious health problem and
is under house arrest. These charges appear to be connected with their participation in constructive people-to-people
programs that aim to ease tensions and build confidence in the region. We urge the Government of Azerbaijan to respect
the universal rights of its citizens, ensure they are afforded all the fair trial guarantees to which all citizens are
entitled, and allow them to freely express their views in accordance with international human rights commitments and
obligations.
ENDS