Police continue to violate the rights of journalists

Even special identification vests with the words «Press» to not protect journalists of police violence, said at  a press conference, the head of the Institute of Reporters Freedom and Safety (IRFS), Emin Huseynov.

This was confirmed in the course of Saturday's rally in Baku against the soldiers deaths.

The audience was shown a video of police brutality. "I will demand the punishment of the guilty policemen  who prevented my professional activities, will demand bringing a lawsuit against them, the examination of my health, compensation of material and moral damage," Huseynov said.

IRFS will try to obtain investigation of all cases of violence against journalists and human rights defenders. Huseynov proposed to give journalist helmets during the rallies  to protect  them against brain  concussions.

Director of Media Rights Institute, Rashid Hajili, also noted the need to file a lawsuit on the  fact of beatings of journalists.

Lawyer Aleksker Mammadli said that Article 163 of the Criminal Code provides for criminal penalties for preventing professional activities of a journalist. He believes that the police actions were intentional. The lawyer said that just two months ago, authorities conducted a seminar with the OSCE, and solemnly swear  that the safety of journalists will be protected during the  rallies. 

Similar evidence of cruelty and violence was noted on January 12 against many other  media representatives. —16C06-