Civil society calls for changing the measure of restraint for Avaz Zeynalli and Elnur Shukurov on the eve of Press Day

Baku/14.07.23/Turan: Representatives of civil society organizations, journalists and human rights activists appealed to President Ilham Aliyev and Justice Minister Fikret Mammadov, calling on them to replace the detention of journalists Avaz Zeynalli and Elnur Shukurov with house arrest. The appeal highlights serious health problems of journalists and the need for urgent medical examination, while stating that neither Zeynalli nor Shukurov pose a threat to society. It also emphasizes that the imprisoned journalists insist on their innocence.

Avaz Zeynalli, the head of the “Khural” media group, and Elnur Shukurov, an employee of the “Sada TV” YouTube channel, have been held in the Baku pre-trial detention center since their arrest in September 2022 on various charges. However, both journalists deny the charges against them, claiming that their arrest was politically motivated. The trial of their case has been going on in the Baku Court for Serious Crimes for the last three months. During his detention, Zeynalli, like Shukurov, had serious problems with his eyesight and health, which required an immediate medical examination.

The appeal is addressed directly to President Aliyev, urging him to use his powers and place well-known journalists under house arrest on the eve of the upcoming Press Day on June 22. It highlights Zeynalli's extensive experience in Azerbaijani journalism, including his work as the founder and editor-in-chief of the Great Future magazine, published in Ankara during the blockade of Azerbaijan. Notable interviews of Zeynalli with such prominent figures as Suleiman Demirel, the 9th President of Turkey, and Rauf Denktash, the founder and first president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are also mentioned.

The appeal emphasizes that Zeynalli has been engaged in journalistic activities in Azerbaijan since 1999, holding the position of editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Civil Solidarity" in 2001 and founding the newspaper "Khural" in 2002. In addition, it highlights Zeynalli's socio-political programs, such as "Boiling Pot", "Politics Square" and "Strategic Depth", which have been broadcast on the “Khural TV” YouTube channel since 2015.

The appeal claims that both Zeynalli and Shukurov are responsible journalists who do not pose a threat to the public. This suggests that placing them under house arrest at the moment could contribute to a relative reduction in tension in the country and allow them to continue their productive work. The signatories of the appeal urge President Aliyev to protect the rights of journalists and promote the development of a free media space.

Head of “The Khural Media Group” Zamaz Zeynalli has been in custody since September 9, and the head of “Sada TV”, Elnur Shukurov, has been in custody since September 13 last year. They are accused of bribery, fraud, illegal influence on the decision of an official and other acts. But none of them knows themselves to blame. Zeynalli said in court that he was arrested by order. He stressed that the goal is to silence him.—0-