As smear campaign escalates, IRFS believes journalists’ lives are now at risk
A new video targeting Khadija Ismayilova has surfaced, prompting IRFS to condemn the deteriorating freedom of expression situation in the country and express concern that any journalist who reports on the authorities could now be in danger.
Anti-corruption journalist receives threats, explicit images
On the eve of International Women’s Day, reporter Khadija Ismayilova, who has exposed corruption among high-ranking Azerbaijani officials and their families, received explicit photos and a note threatening her to stop “behaving improperly”.
Journalist for Iranian TV station imprisoned on drug charges
IRFS suspects that Anar Bayramli, an Azerbaijani citizen, is a casualty of recent tensions between Tehran and Baku.
IRFS is target of government smear campaign
IRFS believes the ongoing harassment by the authorities is the result of its Sing for Democracy campaign, which was launched to support human rights ahead of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held in Baku.
Justice ministry harassment targets IRFS activities, says group’s director
Emin Huseynov says he believes a warning letter received by the ministry stems from IRFS’s activities, namely its role in the “Sing for Democracy” campaign, intended to draw international attention to the media freedom and freedom of expression situation in Azerbaijan.
Newspapers fined for “damaging honour” of businessman
The newspapers were each fined 2000 manats (approx. US$2,545) by the decision of the Yasamal District Court judge Elchin Gurbanov.
Youth activist’s appeal rejected
Bakhtiyar Hajiyev’s appeal to have his prison sentence replaced with conditional arrest was rejected after a hearing in which the activist’s defence team was not present.
Jabbar Savalanli released under pardon decree
The activist was sentenced him to 2.6 years in jail on 4 May 2011.
Journalists assaulted while covering president’s birthday celebration
“Azadlig” newspaper employees Ramin Deko, Vidadi Mammadov and Namig Jafarli, and Radio Liberty employee Maarif Chingizoglu, were physically assaulted and prevented from carrying out their work.
Editor of “Yeni Musavat” receives death threats for republishing article
An unknown caller threatened to kill editor Rauf Arifoglu after the newspaper reprinted an article from the Turkish newspaper “Milliyet”.
Supreme Court upholds jail sentence against activist Jabbar Savalanli
Local and international human rights organizations believe that the criminal case against Savalanli was a politically motivated response to his activities on social networking sites.
Writer-journalist Rafig Tagi dies in hospital days after violent knife attack
IRFS believes Tagi was targeted for his journalistic work and could have been saved had he been supplied with the necessary treatment after surviving the assassination attempt.
Journalist stabbed after writing article critical of Iranian government
IRFS believes that the plot is probably linked to the journalist’s professional work – the last article written by Rafig Tagi was titled “Iran and the Inevitability of Globalization”.
Editor of “Khural” newspaper arrested
Avaz Zeynalli was sentenced to three months of pre-trial detention after a criminal case was launched against him.
Authorities confiscate newspaper’s equipment
IRFS objected to the confiscation of computers and other equipment from the “Khural” newspaper office, some of which did not belong to the paper.
Court proceedings against journalists’ attackers continue
The four defendants have been charged under the Criminal Code with “hooliganism committed by a group of persons and inflicting intentional minor bodily harm”.