Index on Censorship

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.

Marking 500 days since the November 2009 massacre of 58 people, including 32 journalists and media workers in Mindanao, the organisations expressed their outrage at the continuing delays in prosecuting key suspects.

The “Azadliq” newspaper correspondent was abducted by six masked assailants who warned him to “be clever” and not mention President Ilham Aliyev in his articles.

Seven organisations, including four IFEX members, are calling on authorities to unconditionally release five detained youth activists, and to end restrictions on free expression and freedom of assembly.

At the 16th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council taking place from 28 February to 25 March 2011, groups urged their governments to support a resolution which omits “defamation” and “denigration” of religions and focuses on freedom of expression, freedom of religion and non-discrimination.

IFEX-TMG members commend brave women journalists, activists, lawyers and judges who have never stopped calling for greater freedom of expression.

The group is calling on the Committee of Ministers to demand the release of wrongfully jailed journalist Eynulla Fatullayev during its March human rights meeting.

Following visit to Tunisia in February, IFEX-TMG assesses what is needed to rebuild the independent press.