As delivered by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer to the Permanent Council
Vienna, July 24, 2014
At last week’s Permanent Council meeting, the United States expressed its deep concern about the detention of Alexander Sodiqov by the authorities of Tajikistan. Today, we are happy to welcome his release from pre-trial detention. We understand that there are administrative formalities to be concluded at a court hearing next month, and we urge the Government of Tajikistan to respect Mr. Sodiqov’s right to due process. We look forward to the news of the closing of this case and hope that Mr. Sodiqov will be allowed to resume his studies in Canada as soon as possible.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.