Khadija Ismayilova allowed to meet with her mother on birthday

Today  is the birthday of the arrested journalist Khadija Ismailova. She spends  her   39^th  birthday in the Baku prison where her mother and other relatives  came to  congratulate Khadija.

In an interview with "Voice of America" the mother of journalist, Elmira Ismayilova, said she is sure  of the innocence of Khadija. "I wish that we celebrated her birthday together at home with our family. But she never liked to celebrate the birthday at home, and spent it with friends," said Elmira Ismayilova.

According to her, she  misses her daughter, and the greatest gift to Khadija will be her mother’s embrace.

"My daughter is in prison for being fearless under investigation. Maybe that's why I do not worry so much, " said Elmira Ismayilova.

"I have nothing to say to the authorities of Azerbaijan, I express my gratitude to the international community. They helped  Khadija by their messages,"  said the mother of the journalist, showing bracelets named Khadija, made in the United States and sent to her from New York University.

* Khadija Ismayilova was arrested on 5 December, 2014 on false charges of incitement to suicide. On 13 February, 2015, prosecutors filed  other charges against her: large-scale misappropriation, illegal business, and abuse of power. However, the true reason for her arrest is an investigation of the family business of the  head of state.

Amnesty International  announced her  a prisoner of conscience. -16 / 03B04-