State Publishing House Refused to Print Newspaper Azadlig

The State Publishing House Azerbaijan on September 5 refused to print the leading opposition newspaper of the country, Azadlig. The Publishing House’s directorate pointed out the newspaper’s debt to the publisher.

As the deputy chief editor of Azadlig, Rahim Hajiyev, told Turan, the newspaper cannot pay the publisher due to the fact that it cannot carry out banking operations. ‘The Financial Director of the newspaper, Faig Amirov, has been arrested. In order to carry out banking operations it is necessary to approve the signature of another person. However, the notary's offices refuse to confirm the signature on the pretext that the documents are not in order,’ he said, noting that the newspaper’s debt to the publisher is 20 thousand manats.

‘We cannot withdraw money from the bank account after the arrest of Faig Amirov. If we could cover part of the debt, the newspaper would resume publication, but so far we cannot carry out banking transactions,’ he said.

Hajiyev also said the state press distribution firm Gasid owes the newspaper 69,000 manats for sold copies, but it refuses to pay.

‘We appeal to the newspaper’s readers, asking them to support it by making a subscription. The hope is only for the readers,’ he said.

Recall that the country’s leading opposition newspaper has been under pressure of the authorities for many years. They use all methods to economically strangle Azadlig. Also in recent years, the authorities have arrested several journalists of the edition on false charges, or have forced them to leave the country. -03B-