Khadija Ismayilova was released on 25 May. The real reason for Khadija’s imprisonment was her work as an investigative journalist. For many years, Khadija has been one of very few journalists in Azerbaijan who are willing to explore risky topics like human rights abuses and corruption among Azerbaijan’s ruling elite.

Khadija’s arrest took place against the backdrop of an unprecedented human rights crackdown in Azerbaijan. Khadija Ismayilova was one of dozens of political prisoners, currently detained in Azerbaijani jails.

The “Sport for Rights” coalition has initiated a symbolic protest action “40 protests for Khadija Ismayilova’s 40th birthday!”. In the framework of the action a number of different events took place worldwide to mark this day. The Barys Zvozskau Belarusian Human Rights House joined this international protest action, and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all Azerbaijani political prisoners.

Picture: Belarusian HRH the Boris Zvozskova joins the action support Khadija Ismailova (updated)

Happy birthday, Khadija!

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