Ms Ismayilova, an outspoken critic of the government, was jailed 18 months ago.

“I’ve represented many journalists in the court, by this case really moved me,” Amal Clooney said speaking to the .

“I found her a very courageous, inspirational woman, working in a country, where she knew very well the consequences of being a reporter,” the lawyer siad.

“The fact that the government of Azerbaijan, a Council of Europe member country,  put her behind the bars, because they didn’t want her to tell the truth, made me very angry, and I thought I could do something to help her,” Clooney said.