Head of Nakhchivan-based organisation receives death threat
Malahat Nasibova was told she would be killed if she continued to publish information about a National Security Ministry employee.
IRFS press freedom report for first six months of 2011
On a positive note, Eynulla Fatullayev, the former editor-in-chief of the “Realniy Azerbaidjan” and “Gundelik Azerbaijan” newspapers, was released after spending 4 years in prison, following the signing of a pardon decree by the president of Azerbaijan.
Journalists assaulted, threatened in Nakhchiyan
Journalists Elman Abbasov and Ilgar Nasibov were assaulted by Sharur district police officers while preparing a report about a previous assault on journalist Hakimeldostu Mehdiyev in the area.
Appeal of jailed youth activist rejected
The Ganja City Appeals Court denied Bakhtiyar Hajiyev’s appeal, upholding the two-year prison sentence issued by the court of first instance.
Newspaper editor receives threatening phone call
Avaz Zeynalli claims he was threatened by police chief Agalar Maharramov, following a critical article published in the newspaper “Khural.”
IRFS employee, American journalist beaten in Baku
Celia Davies and Amanda Erickson had earlier noticed four men watching them. The men apparently followed them home, where they then held them down and proceeded to beat them, without explanation.
Court executors inventory property of “Khural” newspaper editor-in-chief
Editor-in-chief Avaz Zeynalli explained to IRFS that the paper is facing financial difficulties and is unable to pay the amount in one instalment.
Three additional suspects identified in Elmar Huseynov murder case
“Azadlig” newspaper alleges that investigative agencies are concealing information about additional suspects in the case.
Joint appeal to UNESCO director-general over Fatullayev case
Freedom of expression organisations express deep concern over the continued imprisonment of journalist Eynulla Fatullayev.
Government claims to have complied with ECHR judgment on Fatullayev case
Azerbaijan’s delegate to the ECHR said journalist Eynulla Fatullayev has an outstanding debt to the state for tax evasion.
“Bizim Yol” reporter assaulted during protest
Ramid Ibrahimov was assaulted by police while reporting on a demonstration in front of the Presidential Administration offices.
PACE urged to take action to address alarming freedom of expression situation
In the weeks leading up to the 11-15 April Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe session, the authorities have engaged in a crackdown on freedom of expression in the country.
Family of imprisoned journalist receives threatening phone call
The caller claimed that Eynulla Fatullayev had already been killed, and that his parents would be killed next, reported his father, Emin Fatullayev.
Journalists assaulted, rights defenders harassed by police while covering opposition protests
Turan News Agency employee Etmad Budagov and “Yeni Musavat” reporter Elshan Balakhanli were harassed by the police and undercover agents while taking photographs of the protests.
IRFS staff interrogated, harassed by police
Mehman Huseynov and Abulfat Namazov were first taken to the Criminal Investigations Department of Narimanov District Police Department, then to the police chief’s office.
Outspoken youth activist arrested for criticising authorities
Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, a former parliamentary candidate in the 2010 parliamentary elections, was sentenced to 1-month’s pre-trial detention.