The UK minister for Europe, David Roy Lidington, has issued the following statement:

"I note with great disappointment the sentencing of Ganja-based NGO leader Hasan Huseynli to six years on hooliganism related charges.

"In recent years the British Embassy Baku has worked closely with Mr Huseynli on projects designed to promote social entrepreneurship and strengthen female participation in civil society. Mr Huseynli joins a growing number of civil society activists sentenced to lengthy prison terms.

"I again call on Azerbaijan to address concerns felt by many about the increasingly worrying trend of detentions and prison sentences which appear to be politically motivated."

Bakudaily.az