Press release: UK welcomes release of Mehman Aliyev in Azerbaijan from pre-trial detention

On 25 August 2017 the Director of the Turan news agency, Mehman Aliyev, was detained in connection with an investigation into tax evasion. The UK expressed concern at his detention and called on the Azerbaijan Government to uphold his right to a fair trial. Mehman Aliyev was released from custody and placed under police supervision on 11 September 2017, when a court upheld his appeal against his pre-trial detention.

Speaking after the announcement, a Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokeswoman said:

The UK welcomes the decision to release the Director of the Turan news agency, Mehman Aliyev, from pre-trial detention. This is a positive step and the UK will continue to monitor developments in his case. We urge the Government of Azerbaijan to build on this momentum to end all restrictions on independent media.