(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – ARTICLE 19 is requesting that Azerbaijan’s President investigate a number of reports that journalists have been harassed or physically abused by police. In addition, ARTICLE 19 is expressing serious concern about government control over the media in Azerbaijan, despite the President’s decree lifting official censorship in August. **Updates IFEX alerts of 19 […]
(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – ARTICLE 19 is requesting that Azerbaijan’s President
investigate a number of reports that journalists have been harassed or
physically abused by police. In addition, ARTICLE 19 is expressing serious
concern about government control over the media in Azerbaijan, despite the
President’s decree lifting official censorship in August.
**Updates IFEX alerts of 19 November, 16 November, 9 November, 17 September
and 16 September 1998**
Among the reports of incidents which ARTICLE 19 has received are:
while protesting peacefully outside the Supreme Court on 13 November 1998.
police on 7 November. The reports indicate that although Mr Saban showed his
press card to the police, this did not stop them beating him. Apparently,
other journalists were physically attacked by police during clashes between
police and demonstrators on the same occasion.
newspaper and interrogated staff, having seized the publication two days
previously.
only beat over twenty journalists at another opposition rally, but also
confiscated their equipment, threatened to arrest them, and actually
detained some.
having stopped two media workers who were delivering the reports.
According to ARTICLE 19’s information, more than twenty editors of
independent newspapers went on hunger strike on 18 November in protest
against government repression of their sector, in particular the threat of
huge fines being levied against them under criminal law for defamation of
the President, and calls from parliament to exercise tighter control over
the media.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the President:
questions internationally about his government’s commitment to press freedom
and human rights, in line with its obligations under international law, and
as a State Party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Azerbaijan, which provides for freedom of speech and of the press, but also
Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,
which Azerbaijan has ratified
look into these alleged abuses by members of his government’s public
authorities
justice
European Court of Human Rights, which have held that elected officials must
tolerate a greater degree of scrutiny and criticism by the press than
private individuals
be brought under criminal law for offences such as “defamation of the honour
and dignity of the President” with a view to its early repeal
meantime
Azerbaijan, including that which is funded by the state, enjoys freedom to
express critical views and to promote discussion without fear of censorship
or harassment by the authorities, which should be upholding these rights
Appeals To
HE Heydar Aleyev
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Baku, Azerbaijan
Fax: +994 12 92 06 25
