Dozens of journalists and public leaders have picketed the office of the state-run press distribution firm Gasid.
The majority of the protesters are employees of the leading opposition newspaper Azadlig, who demanded payment of a debt worth 39 million AZN to the newspaper. This is the firm’s proceeds from the sale of newspapers which had accumulated for over a year.
Agali Ismaylov, Gasid deputy director, spoke to the protesters and he also had a face-to-face talk with Rahim Hajiyev, Azadlig deputy editor.
Ismaylov told the protesters that Gasid has no money. “We cannot repay the debt not only to you, but also other newspapers, including the state-run ones.” Ismaylov said, but did not explain why.
He promised that Gasid will start repayment of the debt to Azadlig on a stage-by-stage basis starting September 2013.
The debt will be paid off by the end of the year, promised Ismaylov.
Azadlig deputy editor said the newspaper is not going to wait till September and demanded immediate repayment of debts.
“We are going to file a suit against Gasid demanding repayment of the debt,” Hajiyev said. Publicist Shakhvalad Chobanoglu said that failure to repay the debt is an intention to exert pressure on Azadlig.
The pickets shouted “Give Back Our Money” and “Shame On Suppressors of Free Press.”
Police did not interfere in the protest.—0—
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