Newspaper Azadlig – ‘We Are Political Prisoners’

The newspaper Azadlig called on the international community not to allow the officials to completely destroy this edition. "We appeal to international human rights organizations, international institutions, so that they do not allow them to completely suppress our voice. We call on the local community not to tolerate the loss of the newspaper Azadlig,” the statement said.

Azadlig is the first edition of the independent Azerbaijan, which comes since 24 December 1989. The newspaper has always demonstrated a critical stance and reflected the views of a broad spectrum of the public.

 The state press distribution company Gasid still holds the 70,000 manat belonging to the editorial board. The financial director of Azadlig Faig Amirov was arrested in August of this year, on trumped-up charges of religious radicalism.

Due to lack of finance and technical problems, the newspaper has not been published for three months.

All this gives reason to believe the newspaper Azadlig is another "political prisoner."

"We need to protect the rights of the political prisoner, who is the voice of all political prisoners, all those whose rights are violated. Azadlig must not be shot," it said in a statement.

On December 24 Azadlig celebrates 27 years. Throughout these years, the newspaper carried the truth to society and served the citizens, without betraying its principles.

However, those who promote corruption, fraud and injustice create obstacles to the newspaper that has celebrated its 27^th birthday. They make the editors pay fines handed down by certified court decisions, and arrest the staff.

Today, the newspaper goes on to say the truth through the electronic version. However, the printed version is important, including psychological factors and fundamental principles.

“Do not let destroy the last bastion of free speech in the country,” the statement said in conclusion. -03D06-