Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS)

Link to: ECHR upholds decision on release of Eynulla Fatullayev

ECHR upholds decision on release of Eynulla Fatullayev

The journalist’s lawyer reported that the government’s appeal to the Grand Chamber had been rejected and that this final judgment had been heard in court.

Link to: Twenty-eight IFEX members voice concern about journalists’ safety in the lead up to the elections

Twenty-eight IFEX members voice concern about journalists’ safety in the lead up to the elections

With increased reports of killings, beating, assaults and threats to journalists, the space under which media exercise their fundamental rights and freedoms is increasingly being narrowed.

Link to: Thirty-three IFEX members condemn excessive prison sentence handed down to blogger Hossein Derakhshan

Thirty-three IFEX members condemn excessive prison sentence handed down to blogger Hossein Derakhshan

IFEX members condemned the 19-and-a-half-year prison sentence given to the Canadian-Iranian blogger and called for his immediate release.

Link to: IRFS appeals to President Obama to address press freedom issues during meeting with President Aliyev

IRFS appeals to President Obama to address press freedom issues during meeting with President Aliyev

The approval of the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act is a watershed event for press freedom in the world and is particularly important for Azerbaijan, IRFS said.

Link to: Thirty-one IFEX members and global partners demand retraction of proposed amendment to Press and Journalists Act

Thirty-one IFEX members and global partners demand retraction of proposed amendment to Press and Journalists Act

The proposed amendment would restrict freedom of expression and impede the ability of journalists and media outlets to fulfill their important roles.

Link to: Journalist stabbed

Journalist stabbed

Rasul Shukursoy, a sports writer for “Komanda” newspaper, thinks the attack is related to an article the newspaper recently published.

Link to: Football player assaults newspaper editor

Football player assaults newspaper editor

A football player stormed into the “Komanda” newspaper offices, assaulted editor-in-chief Rashad Ergun and damaged office equipment.

Link to: Supreme Court rejects bloggers’ appeal, prison sentences upheld

Supreme Court rejects bloggers’ appeal, prison sentences upheld

Lawyers for bloggers Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade plan to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.

Link to: Lawsuits against “Khural” newspaper could result in its closure

Lawsuits against “Khural” newspaper could result in its closure

Editor-in-chief Avaz Zeynalli said that several civil and criminal lawsuits had been filed against him and his newspaper in the last two months.

Link to: Two journalists assaulted, detained in Mardakan

Two journalists assaulted, detained in Mardakan

Elmin Bedelov and Anar Garayli were taking photographs of an affluent residential neighbourhood when they were beaten and then detained by several people.

Link to: Human rights defender harassed for publishing report on press violations

Human rights defender harassed for publishing report on press violations

The deputy police chief and deputy prosecutor warned Khalid Agaliyev against “damaging Azerbaijan’s image” in his report.

Link to: Journalists harassed by Presidential Administration guards

Journalists harassed by Presidential Administration guards

The journalists were detained by the guards as they were taking pictures and filming a protest by residents who had suffered damages from floods.

Link to: Student journalist’s appeal of court decision against him rejected

Student journalist’s appeal of court decision against him rejected

An appellate court has upheld a previous decision rejecting a lawsuit by Elmin Badalov against his university after he was expelled for reasons possibly linked to his writings.

Link to: Mediaforum employee harassed during demonstration

Mediaforum employee harassed during demonstration

The incident occurred during a 3 July protest march by the Musavat Party and the Union for the Sake of Democracy.

Link to: Imprisoned editor sentenced to an additional two and a half years in prison

Imprisoned editor sentenced to an additional two and a half years in prison

In what are believed to be politically motivated charges, a criminal case was launched against Eynulla Fatullayev after heroin was allegedly found on his person in prison.

Link to: IRFS appeals to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ahead of her visit to Azerbaijan

IRFS appeals to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ahead of her visit to Azerbaijan

IRFS expressed its concern regarding the free expression climate in the country.