“The alleged abduction of Mr. Mukhtarli in Georgia followed by his arrest and prosecution in Azerbaijan continues to demand thorough and transparent investigation,” Maja Kocijančič, the spokesperson for EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, said in a statement on January 14.

“All cases of incarceration related to the exercise of fundamental rights should be reviewed urgently by Azerbaijan, followed by the release of all those concerned, in line with Azerbaijan’s international commitments,” reads the EU statement.

Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Mukhtarli, who went missing in Tbilisi on May 29 and a day later he was reported to be in a detention facility in Baku, was sentenced to six years in prison by a court in Azerbaijan on January 12. 

Calls for a transparent investigation have been voiced by the United States as well. “We continue to closely follow the Georgian investigation into the reported abduction, and reiterate our call that it be full, transparent, and timely,” the U.S. Department of State said in its statement on January 12.