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Cohen and Shuster Statement on the Release of Journalist Khadija Ismayilova in Azerbaijan

May 25, 2016

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Congressman Bill Shuster (R-PA), Co-chairs of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, released the following statement in response to the release from prison of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Khadija Ismayilova in Azerbaijan:

“As Co-chairs of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, we have written to President Ilham Aliyev and met with Azeri government officials on the arrest and prison sentence of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Khadija Ismayilova. Today, we are pleased to learn that Azerbaijan’s Supreme Court has ordered Khadija’s release from prison. While her initial 7 ½ year prison sentence has been reduced to a 3 ½ year conditional imprisonment, we are relieved that her sentence has been shortened and that Khadija will rejoin her community. This decision by the Supreme Court indicates Azerbaijan is responding to international concerns about its human rights commitment and we will continue to encourage the government to ensure human rights protections for its citizens as we work to support and strengthen U.S.-Azerbaijan relations.”