OSCE Representative calls to release Mehman Huseynov and drop of criminal charges against him

VIENNA/09.01.19/Turan: The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today in a letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Elmar Mammadyarov, expressed his serious concern about the situation and health condition of the imprisoned blogger and chair of the media NGO Institute for Reporters" Freedom and Safety, Mehman Huseynov, and called on the authorities to drop new criminal charges brought against him. Huseynov has reportedly been on a hunger strike since late December 2018.

In his letter, the Representative said: "It is deeply worrying that the latest incident occurred just before Mehman Huseynov" expected release from prison in March 2019 and that the new charges may entail his imprisonment for up to 7 additional years."

"I call on the authorities to drop new criminal charges against Huseynov and to release him as soon as possible," Désir added.

According to reports, on 26 December 2018 Huseynov was involved in an incident with a prison guard. The authorities subsequently launched an investigation into the case and transferred the blogger to a pre-trial detention facility in Baku. Huseynov denies the accusations made against him in connection with the incident and, in protest, has reportedly started a hunger strike, which has resulted in the serious deterioration of his health.

The Representative also asked the authorities to look into the reports about Huseynov"s health problems and to grant him urgent professional medical care.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.