EU voices concern over new law in Azerbaijan on political parties

BRUSSELS, March 22 (KUNA) -- The European Union on Wednesday expressed concern about the restrictions introduced by the new law on political parties in Azerbaijan.
"It risks having a chilling effect on political pluralism and on the fundamental rights and freedoms such as freedom of association, freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly in Azerbaijan," said Peter Stano, EU Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in a statement.
"These rights are fundamental to the functioning of a democratic society," he added. (end) nk.gb