“The Azerbaijani regime continues to use torture, politically-motivated criminal charges, harassment, international kidnapping, and other forms of intimidation to silence human rights defenders, independent journalists, and religious leaders,” said Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), who chairs the House panel on global human rights. “It is evident that there are important security and economic ties between our countries; however these violations cannot be ignored.”Smith made those comments late last month while unveiling his latest legislative effort to hold officials in Azerbaijan accountable for one of the worst human rights situations in Europe. Joined by Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), the legislation, H. Res. …read more
Source: The American Interest
