PEN American Center in Defense of Khadija Ismayilova

PEN American Center defended the investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova arrested in Azerbaijan.

Among the authors of the appeal in support of her there is a well-known writer of Afghan origin Khaled Hosseini. He is the author of the famous novel The Kite Runner, which Ismayilova translated into Azerbaijani.

In the statement the arrest of Ismayilova is called "fabricated" and it is pointed out that being an investigative journalist, Ismayilova identified widespread corruption and human rights violations in Azerbaijan.

"I am disappointed that the Government of Azerbaijan has arrested Ismayilova. As a writer, I believe the sacred human right to write and distribute opinions without fear of persecution.

Numerous attempts by the government of Azerbaijan to silence Khadija and her arrest prove her courage," said Hosseini.

PEN American Center recalls that attempts to silence Ismayilova come from the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration.

In particular, her arrest was carried out after the lengthy article by the head of the Presidential Administration, where the journalist was accused of discrediting famous people of Azerbaijan "by the order of her foreign patrons."

On December 26 prosecutors’ raid took place in the office of Radio Liberty in Baku, the office was sealed and the staff was interrogated.

"I am honored that my voice was brought to Azerbaijani readers by Khadija Ismayilova. Now it is my turn to speak in her defense.

I hope that the world will join my call for the immediate release of Ismayilova," said Khaled.

* Ismayilova was arrested Dec. 5 on charges of incitement to suicide attempt. Amnesty International has recognized her as a prisoner of conscience. -06D--