Fate of IRFS Director unclear (UPDATED)

During the search in the office of the Institute of Reporters Freedom and Safety on August 8, there was seized a large number of electronic media and film-making equipment.

In particular, 15 computers with monitors, 7 laptops, 3 video cameras, over 200 videos, 200 CD-ROM drives, and more than 20 hard-disk drives with surveillance cameras, and flash cards were withdrawn, the representative of IRFS Gunay Ismailova told Turan.

In addition, the investigators seized numerous documents - grant agreements, financial documents, legal documents, and press. In addition, they seized materials relating to human rights work of IRFS that was not provided by the decision of the court.

At the same time, a computer of the journalist's mother, a tablet and a few documents were seized from Huseynov’s home.

A safe was hacked in the IRFS office. It is noteworthy that the decision concerned only the search of the second floor office. However, the search was carried out also on the first floor, which is illegal.

The fate of the Director of IRFS Emin Huseynov remains unclear.

"For the past two days there has been no news from Emin Huseynov. He does not return phone calls. It is strange that the investigators conducting the search did not even ask about it. I reminded them the importance of the participation of the head of the office. However, the head of the search operations said that Emin Huseynov’s participation is not necessary," Ismailova said. -03B06-

2014 August 08 (Friday) 19:04:27

After a six-hour search in the office of the Institute for Reporters Freedom and Safety (IRFS) August 8, law enforcement officials seized all electronic media, surveying equipment, financial documents and materials relating to the human rights organization. Thus, the activity of the IRFS is virtually paralyzed.

The search that started at 16.00 ended at 22.00.

The lawyer Fariz Namazly told Turan the decision about the search was made by the Sabail district court of Baku August 7 at the presentation of the Investigation Department of Grave Crimes Prosecutor General's Office in connection with the criminal case against "several local and foreign NGOs."

At the same time, according to the lawyer, in the judgment there was not expressed any necessity of a search. It is not mentioned that in connection with some suspicion, a search should be conducted. The decision gave authorization for the removal of all electronic media, financial documents, and grant agreements. And the search was authorized only at the address, where there was a second floor office IRFS. However, in violation of the provisions, this search was carried out also on the first floor of the building. During the search, were seized all electronic media, including more than 20 computers. Moreover, even the monitors were removed, even though the equipment has no memory and cannot represent the interest of the investigation. There were also seized all the cameras and camcorders. Along with the withdrawal of financial records were seized materials of IRFS trial monitoring, the documents relating to the protection of journalists' rights, although this was not provided by the judgment, continued Namazly, the lawyer.

According to him, the removal of these equipments violates IRFS activity.

Meanwhile, there is still no information about the location of IRFS Director Emin Huseynov.

During the day reports appeared of his arrest, but they were not confirmed by the police.

The United States Embassy has denied the information that Huseynov is in the diplomatic mission.

On July 9 the bank accounts of IRFS were arrested.

On August 5, Huseynov was not permitted to leave the country for treatment in Turkey.

A month ago he was injured on the shoulder and due to the lack of progress in the treatment he was going to be examined in Istanbul. -06B--

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During the search in the office of the IRFS, investigators  drew up the list of  electronic media - computers, flash cards for the purpose of withdrawal,  Turan was told by the lawyer Fariz Namazly. According to him, the search is conducted  in accordance with the decision of Sabail court  on August 7  at the submission of Attorney General. Meanwhile, the fate of the IRFS Director, Emin Huseynov, remains unknown. Information in some media about his detention is not confirmed. According to other media, he is  in the United States Embassy. Huseynov’s mobile phone do not answer.—1606D-

2014 August 08 (Friday) 16:15:42

At around 16:00  investigators  of the  prosecutor office entered the studio of the Institute of Reporters Freedom and Safety. This is the second floor of the office, where the office representative  let them. The room where there is a documentation and other equipment  of the IRFS,  is located on the first floor, and  investigators did not get  there, and the employees of the  IRFS remain locked there.

Prior to this, the investigators presented a warrant to conduct a search, and threatened to break down the doors. Being refused, they demanded the keys from the owner of the premises. However, the owner said that she did not have the keys, and she has no claim to the tenant, with whom she has a legal contract.

Previously the police drove into the street the journalists who  came to the office. -1606В-

2014 August 08 (Friday) 15:02:21

At 14:30 pm several police officers and persons in the civilian came to the office of the Institute for Reporters Freedom and Safety, located at  R.Beybutov, 85/86.

They  demanded to open the door, without explaining who they are and what they want.  The employees  of the  IRFS refused to do it, and now they are remaining locked.

The policemen threaten to break  metal doors, Turan was told  on the telephone  by the employees  of the  IBSR.

Earlier, the prosecutor's office  blocked the accounts of this NGOs and the personal accounts of its Director, Emin Huseynov. He also  was not allowed to leave  for treatment to Turkey on August 6. -02/16В-