HCA statement to the freedom of expression in Azerbaidjan

From Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly International

To Council of Europe

STATEMENT

Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly expresses its concern concerning the developed complicated situation in Azerbaijan regarding the freedom of speech and persecution of journalist which are accompanied with beatings and arrests. It is unacceptable that such situation occurs in a country which has joined European Convention on Human Rights and is a member of European Organizations such as Council of Europe and OSCE.

The problems surrounding the safety of journalists have reached its very serious state. After the 2 March 2005 ordered brutal shooting of famous Monitor Journal Chief Editor Elmar Huseynov, whose murderers have not been found and whose murder case remains incomplete, many other journalists have been exposed to pressure, including from “Azadlig” Newspaper Fikret Huseynli (kidnapped and beaten) and Nijat Daglar (beaten by unknown people), from “Zerkalo” Newspaper Rustam Mikayilov and Farid Teymurkhanli (beaten by police), from “Ayna” Newspaper Iddrak Abbasov (beaten by police), from “Bizim Yol” Bahaddin Haziyev (kidnapped, brutally beaten and left an invalid for life), from “Boz Gurd” Newspaper Ramiz Najafli (beaten by police), and from Turan News Agency Sarvan Rizvanov (beaten by police). And finally, as a result of a disagreement with police which turned into a fist-fight “Yeni Musavat” Newspaper photo-correspondent Ali Kazimli was bedridden in the hospital and at home for six months, and ultimately died.

We would like to briefly recall some of the recent repressive acts that have occurred against the press. At present seven (7) journalists are imprisoned, including four (4) that were imprisoned on the basis of articles 147 and 148 of the Republic of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code (libel and defamation). In addition, there are at least six (6) well-known journalists serving probation due to articles 147 and 148.

In April of this year “Realny Azerbaycan” Military writer Uzeir Jafarov was attacked in front of his own editorial office. He received serious head and brain trauma. Even police that have shown aggression towards journalists wearing special uniforms made at the order of the Press Council with approval from the Interior Ministry are not punished.

In May of this year alone, three leading independent newspapers were compelled to close: “Realny Azerbaycan,” “Gundalik Azerbaycan,” and “Baki Khabar.” In general from January 2006- May 2007 tens of court cases against the mass media have been conducted. And fines against newspapers have reached a total of over 500,000 USD. The above mentioned incidents testify to the end of the independent press and destruction of the essence of freedom speech.

As an organization one of the work directions of which is defending human rights and which possesses the consultative status in the Council of Europe since 1991 we confirm that we recognize these imprisoned journalists as prisoners of conscience and demand their immediate release. We hope that Azerbaijan authorities having declared the will of becoming equal right member of European family will pursue internal policy in appropriate with European values and laws.

Bernard Dreano,

Arzu Abdullayeva,

Co-chairs of Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly International

25.06.07