IRFS: Security of Idrak Abbasov and His Family at Risk

The Institute for Reporters Freedom and Safety (IRFS) is concerned about threats to its employee Idrak Abbasov and his family. This was said at a press conference by IRFS Director Emin Huseynov in response to the recent evidence.

Recall that in the last three days unknown people tried to open Abbasov’s car, but fled after the alarm.

Abbasov has been subjected to physical pressure and threats not for the firs time, so the head of IRFS urged law enforcement to ensure the safety of Abbasov and his family. IRFS on its part will also take steps to do so, and install the video surveillance of his home.

Huseynov expressed regret that the police did not take the burglars’ fingerprints from the car, although they were visible to the naked eye.

Abbasov himself said that most of all he is concerned for the safety of his family members, who suffered in the past because of him. So, a few months ago Abbasov’s child was run over near a kindergarten. "The investigation stated that the child was guilty, while the man that drove the vehicle without a license got off with a fine of 200 manat," said Abbasov.

Referring to the motives of the intruders, Abbasov ruled a version that they wanted to throw drugs and weapons into the car, and then arrest him. The journalist believes these are the consequences of his conflict with security staff of SOCAR on April 18, 2012. The case caused international headlines and criticism of the authorities, and the question was raised even during the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Baku. "Only after this, the investigation recognized me the victim," said Abbasov. According to him, SOCAR is trying in every way to hush up the case, and they tried to make contact and negotiate with the journalist, who however refused. Soon there was a story with his car. The journalist said he is not going to leave the country, but only plans to go abroad for the eye surgery. He is not satisfied with the investigation into his brutal beating in Sulu-Tepe on April 18 and intends to sue the investigation agency. Despite the insistence hold the inquest under Article 132 (obstructing the activities of a journalist), the case was filed under "hooliganism."

IRFS Director urged international partners of SOCAR to require the company to punish those who beat Abbasov and exerted pressure on 4 other journalists. -06C-