US welcomes the release of bloggers in Azerbaijan

Today the US Embassy in Azerbaijan circulated the following statement regarding the release of  Azerbaijani youth leaders and bloggers Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli:  “The United States expresses a strong interest in the cases of Hajizade and Milli, as was shown by both President Obama and Secretary Clinton publicly calling for their release. The decision of the Azerbaijani courts to release the two bloggers is a positive step. We also hope for the quick release of journalist Eynulla Fatullayev. An independent judiciary and active civil society, free from political influence, are the cornerstones of a modern democratic state. The United States remains committed to working with the government and people of Azerbaijan to advance democratic reforms, including on freedom of speech and association,” APA cites the US statement.