Action on memory of journalist Elmar Huseynov

On July 17, 2013 famous Azerbaijani journalist Elmar Huseynov, editor-in-chief of Monitor magazine murdered on March 2, 2005 on the threshold of his apartment, would have celebrated his 46th anniversary.

On this day journalists, activists of the civil society, opposition politicians and diplomats usually visit the journalist’s grave.

“Elmar was the last bastion of struggle for freedom of speech in Azerbaijan. This bastion was destroyed with Elmar’s murder,” said Shakhbaz Khuduoglu, editor-in-chief of Ganun magazine.

He expressed regret that till now “neither Elmar Huseynov’s murder was solved, nor his memory was perpetuated to carry into life at least one of the ideals he has fought for.”

Khuduoglu regretfully said that Elmar Huseynov’s struggle is not continued.

However, Mehman layer, Director of Turan news agency, did not share Khuduoglu’s pessimism.

“I do not think that we have lost. We have lost some friends… But every time we come here, we show that we continue struggle and we will go to the end till Azerbaijan has freedom of media, expression and other freedoms,” Aliyev said.

Anar Mammadli, head of the Centre for Election Monitoring and Democracy, said Elmar Huseynov was a victim of struggle for freedom of expression, the situation of which keeps deteriorating.

Elmar was not the last victim, publicist Rafig Tagi has been killed as well.

Dozens of journalists have been subjected to moral and physical pressure.

Mammadli said that visits to Elmar’s grave are important for young generation. On the one hand, we need that to perpetuate his memory and on the other hand, Elmar is the example of courage and loyalty to his principles for the youth.

Father of the deceased journalist Sabir Huseynov thanked the gathered people. He said the fact that Elmar Huseynov’s grave is visited by his colleagues, friends and representatives of democratic publicity shows that he has not been forgotten. He is sure that one day Elmar’s murder will be solved and those to blame for that will be punished.

The participants of the mourning have take pictures at Elmar’s grave.

* The Azerbaijani law enforcement agencies accuse Georgian citizens Teymuraz Aliyev and Tair Khubanov of Elmar Huseynov’s murder, but the Georgian authorities claim that proof of their guilt has not been presented. The investigation said nothing about the motives of the crime and those who ordered it.—0—