Ramid Ibrahimov was assaulted by police while reporting on a demonstration in front of the Presidential Administration offices.
(IRFS/IFEX) – On 19 April 2011, Ramid Ibrahimov, an employee of “Bizim Yol” (Our Way) daily newspaper, was physically assaulted while carrying out his professional work in front of the Presidential Administration building. Ibrahimov told the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS) that he was attacked by police officers during a demonstration.
“Police employees used force and pressure during the protest (. . .). Two women lost consciousness. When I attempted to photograph one of them, a police officer kicked me. Other police officers insulted me and all journalists (. . .). I reported the incident to the police chief, mayors and captains, who only dismissed those police officers from the area,” said Ibrahimov.
The journalist noted that when he arrived at the protest, his camera and tape recorder were seized by employees of the Special State Guard Service. As of 21 April, the equipment had not been returned to him. He does not believe an appeal to law enforcement bodies regarding this incident would be any use, after similar appeals in a recent case went unanswered.
“I appealed to General Prosecutor Zakir Garalov, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Vilayet Eyvazov, and the Sabail District Police Office, Department #9, regarding my beating by a colonel of the Special State Guard Service in front of the Presidential Administration on 9 February 2011. However, they were indifferent to this issue and no measures have been taken yet,” said the journalist.
On 26 November 2010, Ibrahimov was physically assaulted by a Baku City Executive Office (BCEO) official. The official tried to seize his camera while he was taking photos on A. Tobpcubasov Street, where a building was being demolished to make room for the Winter Park project.
“Bizim Yol” has been in print since 2003.
