IRFS began collecting donations to assist the families of imprisoned journalists

Institute for Reporters Freedom and Safety initiated a campaign to collect donations for providing financial assistance to the families of imprisoned journalists. The action is timed to the International Day of Solidarity of Journalists, celebrated on September 8, said at a press conference today IRFS Director Emin Huseynov.

"The goal is not only to provide material assistance to families of arrested colleagues. But this action is an expression of solidarity with the arrested journalists. It is a moral support so they do not feel alone. On the other hand, this action is another opportunity to draw the attention of local and international democratic public to the prosecution of journalists for their publications," said Huseynov.

Currently, the prisons of Azerbaijan contains 8 journalists: chief editor of Khural, Avaz Zeynalov, freelance journalist Faramaz Allahverdiyev (Novruzoglu), a journalist from the Ucar district Fuad Huseynov, editor in chief of the newspaper Tolyshi Sado (Voice of the Talysh) Hilal Mamedov, a columnist of the newspaper Yeni Musavat Tofig Yagublu (also vice-chairman of the party Musavat), the chief editor of azadxeber.org Nijat Aliyev, the chief editor of xeber44.com Araz Guliyev, and the chief editor of PS Nota Sardar Alibeili.

Unlike previous fundraising campaigns in support of families of imprisoned journalists, this time the money will not be collected individually for each and will be accumulated in the general fund and evenly divided at the end.

"Those who believe that one of the arrested journalists could enjoy more assistance can help them separately," said Huseynov.

To participate in the action, journalists, civil society activists, political parties and all citizens, who care about freedom of the press and expression in Azerbaijan, are invited.

Funds may be applied individually and collectively.

In this case, the money is received in cash or in the office of IRFS and on a special account.

Detailed information about the campaign will be posted on the website IRFS irfs.org, in the media and social networks.

For transparency in the conclusion of the campaign all the information about making a donation will be presented to the public. Upon request, the protesters could maintain their anonymity. -06c-