Imprisoned journalist Sakit Zahidov denied access to medication, his legal appeals ripped up by prison authorities
(IRFS/IFEX) – Imprisoned “Azadlig” newspaper journalist and satirist Sakit Zahidov is not being given an opportunity to take his medicine. Prison officials are creating artificial obstacles to prevent the journalist from taking medicine sent from the United States, Zahidov’s wife, Rena Zahidova, told IRFS on 1 July 2008. “Sakit’s condition is not good,” said Zahidova. […]
Newspaper reporter allegedly threatened with violence by energy official following critical report
(IRFS/IFEX) – Rahib Hashimov, the regional correspondent of “Baku Zaman” newspaper for southern Azerbaijan, informed IRFS that he was recently threatened by the deputy chief of the Regional Energy Sale Department (RESD) in Lankaran, Malakram Mirzayev. “Approximately three weeks ago [in late May 2008], I wrote an article entitled ‘Family Gathering in the Regional Energy […]
IRFS chairman harassed while in hospital, presumably by government agents posing as doctors
(IRFS/IFEX) – IRFS Chairman Emin Huseynov was hospitalised after being beaten by officers of the Nasimi Region Police Department #22 on 14 June 2008. On 17 June, he was transferred to a regular hospital room from the Centralized Emergency Medical Assistance Hospital. According to Mehman Aliyev, director of the “Turan” information agency, Huseynov underwent a […]
IRFS chairman assaulted, injured by police while monitoring event commemorating Che Guevara’s birthday
(IRFS/IFEX) – On 14 June 2008, in the “Alaturka” Cafe, an event organized by the “Che Guevera Fan Club” to mark the 80th birthday of Che Guevera and attended by a representative of the Cuban embassy was raided by police. Out of the approximately 25 people present, 20 were detained by police and taken to […]
IRFS chairman released after being detained for over two hours
(IRFS/IFEX) – On 12 June 2008 at about noon (local time), IRFS Chairman Emin Huseynov was detained in front of Azerbaijan’s Presidential Administration building while observing, filming and photographing a picket. Upon being released over two hours later, Huseynov recounted the events to IRFS. According to him, he was monitoring the protest with another IRFS […]
IRFS chairman arrested while filming demonstration in front of presidential administration building
(IRFS/IFEX) – On 12 June 2008, at approximately 12:00 noon (local time), IRFS Chairman Emin Huseynov was detained in front of Azerbaijan’s Presidential Administration building while filming a picket. According to another IRFS employee who was present at the scene, several people in civilian clothes approached Huseynov. One of them said, “Citizen, can I speak […]
Prison authorities confiscate book manuscript written by imprisoned editor
(IRFS/IFEX) – Prison authorities have seized the 300-page manuscript of a book “Azadlig” newspaper editor-in-chief Ganimat Zahid was trying to write while in Bayil prison #1, where he remains a prisoner. The public relations coordinator of the Justice Ministry’s Penitentiary Service, Mehman Sadigov, claims the confiscation is legal. “I can’t say anything about what or […]
Supreme Court upholds editor’s conviction
(IRFS/IFEX) – On 3 June 2008, a hearing was held in the Supreme Court under the chairmanship of Judge Muzzafar Agazadeh on the cassation complaint of Eynulla Fatullayev, editor-in-chief of “Gundalik Azerbayjan” and “Realny Azerbayjan” newspapers. The court upheld the decision of the Appellate Court. The journalist’s mother, Gulshan Fatullayeva, informed IRFS about the ruling. […]
Journalists harassed, restricted, information strictly controlled in Nakhchivan autonomous region during president’s visit
(IRFS/IFEX) – From the moment President Ilham Aliyev commenced his visit to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the work of journalists in the region has been severely restricted. Aliyev arrived on in Nakhchivan on 3 June 2008. IRFS regional correspondent Hekim Eldostu Mehdiyev reports that the participation of local correspondents has been hindered at events where […]
Investigation into assaults on journalist closed without charges being laid
(IRFS/IFEX) – The criminal investigation into the alleged assaults against “Azadlig” newspaper journalist Agil Khalil has been closed without any charges being filed, according to a report by the Turan News Agency, citing information from the Chief Prosecutor’s Office (CPO). Dagbeyi Allahverdiyev and Akif Chovdarov, high-ranking officers of Azerbaijan’s National Security Ministry, told investigators that […]
Newspaper reporter receives threatening calls from government number following critical articles
(IRFS/IFEX) – “Azadlig” newspaper correspondent Seymur Haziyev informs IRFS that he received threatening telephone calls for several days in mid-May 2008. “I usually receive phone calls from hidden numbers, but these calls came from an unconcealed number,” said Haziyev. “The person called from a landline number and threatened me. He said, ‘It looks like you […]
Appellate court upholds four-year prison sentence for editor in “politically ordered” decision, says IRFS
(IRFS/IFEX) – IRFS strongly condemns an appellate court’s decision to uphold the Yasamal District Court verdict against “Azadlig” newspaper editor-in-chief Ganimat Zahid. This ruling was adopted on 13 May 2008, and stemmed from an appeal against Yasamal District Court Judge Subada Mammedova’s 7 March decision to imprison Zahid for four years: for three-and-a-half years under […]
“My blood will be on their hands,” says persecuted journalist as authorities refuse to let him travel outside the country
(IRFS/IFEX) – IRFS vehemently condemns the Republic of Azerbaijan’s State Border Service and Chief Prosecutor’s Office for their refusal to let “Azadlig” newspaper correspondent Agil Khalil leave the country. He was denied exit on three occasions on 10 and 11 May 2008. Such actions are illegal and a gross violation of Khalil’s fundamental rights. He […]
APA news agency correspondent detained, assaulted by police while covering presidential visit to predecessor’s grave
(IRFS/IFEX) – On 10 May 2008 at around 11:00 a.m. (local time), APA Information Agency special reporter Elbrus Seyfullayev was subjected to police pressure while government leaders led by President Ilham Aliyev were visiting the grave of ex-president Heydar Aliyev. According to an eyewitness who wishes to remain anonymous, the journalist was covering the visit […]
Presidential decree seeks to stealthily reintroduce greater state control over media, says IRFS
(IRFS/IFEX) – IRFS condemns President Ilham Aliyev’s 7 May 2008 decree, which, in a roundabout manner, has amended the Law on Mass Media, in part by re-introducing a component of it that was abolished years ago at the demand of international organizations. President Aliyev’s decree refers to “part 10” of Article 19 of the Law […]
Persecuted “Azadlig” newspaper journalist survives murder and abduction attempts, goes into hiding
(IRFS/IFEX) – IRFS expresses serious concern over two new attacks against “Azadlig” newspaper correspondent Agil Khalil. Khalil called IRFS on the morning of 8 May 2008 and reported that, the evening before, someone attempted to push him in the path of an oncoming subway train at the 28 May Metro Station. Shortly afterward, two people […]