U.S. Condemns Attack Against Journalist Aytan Mammadova

Washington on Monday reiterated its commitment to upholding 'anywhere and everywhere' the freedom of the press and freedom of expression that is "a right that is universal and that, by definition, is applicable to people everywhere," State Department's spokesperson Ned Price told TURAN's U.S. correspondent when asked about the latest attack against Azerbaijani journalist Aytan Mammadova.

"When it comes to the specifics of the reporter in Azerbaijan, I'm not immediately familiar with that. If we have a specific comment, we can provide that to you... We know that reporters around the world oftentimes conduct their work at great peril. Sometimes it's in conflict zones. Sometimes it's in – within political systems that are repressive, insecure, and therefore afraid of the truth," Price said during the daily press briefing.

"Whenever that happens, we stand with those who are doing nothing more than attempting to shine a light on injustice, to promote accountability, and to improve the lives of their fellow citizens or citizens around the world," the spokesperson added.

*Mammadova, a well known Azerbaijani journalist covering high-profile murder trials, reported yesterday that she was attacked by an unknown man armed with a knife who threatened and intimidated her over her coverage.

In a Tweet on Monday evening, the U.S Embassy in Baku condemned the attack on journalist Mammadova.

"This attack occurred in Baku just one week after the world celebrated World Press Freedom Day. We are closely monitoring the case and urge the authorities to investigate and hold those responsible accountable," the Embassy noted.

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.