On 27 January 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović called on the authorities in Azerbaijan to ensure the safety of Gunay Ismayilova, a media lawyer and deputy chair of the Institute for Reporter’s Freedom and Safety (IRFS), following a recent attack.
On 26 January an unknown assailant attacked Gunay Ismayilova at the entrance of her home in Baku. The assailant left when neighbours arrived at the scene. Ismayilova, who did not receive any serious physical injuries, reported the attack to the police.
“The authorities should conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of this attack and ensure Ismayilova’s safety,” Mijatović said. “Media lawyers are instrumental in protecting and safeguarding members of the media by providing legal support and monitoring cases of infringements of free speech.”
Mijatović again raised concern about the rapidly deteriorating media freedom situation in Azerbaijan in general, including recent raids on Radio Azadliq and the IRFS office in Baku. She reiterated her call for the release of all imprisoned journalists and free speech advocates in Azerbaijan, including Khadija Ismailova, Rasul Jafarov and others. -16D-
Politics
-
On November 26, the Baku Court of Appeals reviewed the appeal of human rights defender Anar Mammadli, who contested the extension of his detention. Mammadli's lawyer, Javad Javadov, stated that Mammadli argued the extension of his pre-trial detention was unfounded and linked the criminal prosecution to his human rights activities, Turan reported.
-
On November 26, a group of reserve officers from the Nakhchivan special forces held a protest near the Azerbaijani presidential administration. The protesters participated in the 44-day war and were discharged after sustaining injuries. They claim that the payments they are entitled to have not been provided.
-
On November 26, the Baku Court of Appeals heard a complaint regarding the extension of the detention of former diplomat Emin Ibrahimov. During the hearing, the investigator requested that the complaint be rejected, while Ibrahimov's lawyer, Aghil Laidj, pointed out the lack of grounds for keeping Ibrahimov in custody.
-
Arrested economist Fazil Gasimov has reportedly faced pressure after protesting the interruption of a phone call with his family on November 16. "The phone call was cut off, and Fazil demanded that the connection be restored. Then, Jalal Alizadeh, a detention center officer, along with his colleagues, forcibly removed Fazil from the phone room in the medical unit of the facility, tearing his jacket and dragging him across the floor before throwing him into a cell.
Leave a review