The USDepartment of State has issued the following statement on its website:

“We condemnthe August 21 beating in Nakhchivan City, Azerbaijan of noted civil societyactivist Ilgar Nasibov, Director of the NGO Democracy Support Center, who iscurrently hospitalized in grave condition. Mr. Nasibov has been awell-respected civil society activist and human rights defender for more thanten years.

“Weunderstand that in this case the police responded immediately, and theprosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation. We support a swift, full,and transparent investigation and prompt disclosure of whether criminal chargeswill be brought against the perpetrators. We urge that those responsible bebrought to justice, and call on the Azerbaijani government to take immediatesteps to protect fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.”

Bakudaily.Az