The United States is deeply troubled by the continued arrest of members of Azerbaijani civil society, Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller told a briefing on Wednesday, June 5.

Azerbaijan has arrested another prominent economist and journalist, Farid Mehralizade, as part of the investigation on Abzas Media, which is an independent online news platform often reporting on corruption in the country.

“Those who exercise their fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, should not face arrest for doing so. And we continue to urge the Azerbaijani Government to immediate release – immediately release all individuals who are unjustly detained and to respect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all,” Miller said.