Ombudswoman Says Afghan Mukhtarly Was Not Imprisoned in Punishment Cell

Baku / 30.11.18 / Turan: The imprisoned journalist Afghan Mukhtarly has not been placed in a punishment cell, and he fully enjoys all the rights provided by law. This is stated in a letter from the Ombudswoman Elmira Suleymanova to the journalist"s relatives.

Afgan Mukhtarly some time ago, through his lawyer, appealed to Ombudswoman Elmira Suleymanova, complaining that in prison No. 16 he was illegally placed in a punishment cell and his rights are regularly violated there. He also asked the Ombudswoman to assist him in communicating with his family via Skype.

Elmira Suleymanova wrote in a reply letter that the Prison Service denied the allegations that Mukhtarly was subjected to physical and moral pressure in detention. He is provided with all the necessary material and living conditions, and he enjoys the rights provided by law.

The Prison Service also refuted the fact that the journalist was placed in a punishment cell, as well as a ban on his telephone conversations. As for the journalist"s desire to talk with his family via Skype, the law does not imply the communication of prisoners with relatives and other persons via the Internet.

Recall that in mid-October, the wife of Afgan Mukhtarly stated that the journalist was placed in a punishment cell. According to her, on October 7, Afghan was punished for allegedly visiting a medical center without permission. However, in fact, Afghan asked for permission to go to the medical center in order to take medicine. The reason for his placement in a punishment cell was the journalists protest against a provocation against another political prisoner, the deputy chairman of the PFPA, Mammad Ibrahim.

The latter was charged with possession of prohibited items and was subjected to a new criminal prosecution while still in prison. -0-