Ombudsman of Germany Berbel Kofler Condemns Mehman Aliyev�s Arrest
Baku / 29.08.17 / Turan: The Federal Commissioner for Human Rights Berbel Kofler made a statement on August 29 in connection with the arrest of the Director of the Azerbaijani News Agency Turan, Mehman Aliyev.
"I was very worried about the arrest of the Director of the independent Turan News Agency, Mehman Aliyev," Kofler said.
As a result of the criminal investigation against Aliyev, charges were brought against tax evasion, illegal entrepreneurship and abuse of power. Due to the blocking of Turan IA"s bank accounts, the Agency is forced to cease operations on September 1.
"The situation in the field of press freedom in Azerbaijan is even more alarming than before. I call on the Azerbaijani government to honor the commitments it has made with respect to freedom of expression, freedom of the press and the rule of law.
I will continue to closely monitor the case of Mehman Aliyev and the situation with freedom of the press in Azerbaijan," Kofler said.
Turan IA remained the only independent news agency in Azerbaijan for many years. The country took the 162nd place in the World Press Freedom Index-2017 from Reporters without Borders in 2017. -06D--
-
- Social
- 29 August 2017 16:44
Politics
-
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova has decided to unilaterally terminate the Moldovan-Russian agreement from 1998 on the creation and operation of cultural centers.
-
By the order of the head of state, Rufat Mahmud has been appointed the new head of the historical and architectural reserve "Icheri Sheher" – the historic center of Baku.
-
On February 13, the Appeal Court did not satisfy the defense's appeal against the decision of the Khatai Court regarding the arrest of journalist Shahnaz Beylargizi. According to the lawyer, the journalist herself did not participate in the trial due to poor health. The defense intends to submit a petition to replace the arrest with house arrest.
-
Azerbaijan will limit 'Sputnik Azerbaijan' and 'BBC News Azərbaycanca' editorial offices. This was reported by the country's pro-government media on 13 February, citing an informed source.
Leave a review