Media Helping Media

Another three UK politicians have joined calls for the immediate release of the Azerbaijani bloggers arrested in Baku last week. In the equivalent of an MPs’ petition, a total of 20 politicians have now condemned what they say is a "rapidly deteriorating human rights situation" in Azerbaijan. The increased pressure on President Aliev comes as the two detained youth activist prepare for their appeal hearing.

President Ilham Aliev

The increased pressure on President Aliev comes as the two detained youth activist prepare for their appeal hearing.

In a House of Commons Early Day Motion (the equivalent of an MPs’ petition) a total of 20 politicians have now condemned what they say is a "rapidly deteriorating human rights situation" in Azerbaijan.

The MPs want the British government to put pressure on President Ilham Aliev to release the two.

In the motion, Labour MP Paul Flynn says the MPs condemn “the attacks and imprisonment of youth activists in Azerbaijan on 10 July 2009.”

Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizada

The 20 UK MPs who signed the motion are: Paul Flynn, Lynne Jones, Bob Russell, Andrew Dismore, David Taylor, Martin Caton, Gordon Prentice, Alan Simpson, Kelvin Hopkins, Jeremy Corbyn, Ann Cryer, Mark Durkan, Andrew George, Alasdair McDonnell, Ronnie Campbell, Clive Efford, Rudi Vis, Iris Robinson, John Hemming and Dai Davies.

Supporters of the two have set up an online video petition where people can post video messages calling for their release.