The Institute for Reporter Freedom and Safety condemns the government for preventing the newspapers “Realny Azerbaycan” and “Gundalik Azerbaycan” from being published, and the absurd new charges that have been brought against editor Eynulla Fatullayev. On behalf of IRFS, Emin Huseynov (right) calls for Azerbaijan’s leadership to cease its persecution of the press and its policies, which are discrediting to the country at an international level. (23-MAY-07)
IRFS is dismayed by the National Security Ministry and Emergency Situations Ministry’s operation against “fire and terror,” as a result of which “unnecessary” newspapers were eliminated. However, the above-mentioned ministries did not take into consideration that the government’s recent “victory” over “RealnyAzerbaycan” and “Gundalik Azerbaycan” would actually be a defeat for the country. With their attacks on the press, the government does not just want to keep journalists in fear, but all citizens, because this tyranny and illegality brings them millions of dollars.
New criminal charges against the imprisoned editor
IRFS calls the new criminal charge (for alleged threat of terrorism) against Eynulla Fatullayev absurd, and interprets it as an excuse to “arrest” the brand of “Realny Azerbaycan” and “Gundalik Azerbaycan” newspapers, as well as the editorial offices of these publications, for which Fatullayev has paid rent for through the end of the year. In addition, according to lawyer Isakhan Ashurov, the National Security Ministry searched Fatullayev’s house and place of work without putting forth any official charges and without transferring Fatullayev to the National Security Ministry’s pre-trial isolator. At present Fatullayev is being kept in Bayil prison and has not received formal notice about the new charge he is facing. Ashurov said he considers the conduction of a search on the basis of an unfounded charge illegal and ridiculous.
IRFS considers that through its operation against Eynulla Fatullayev, the National Security Ministry, whose main purpose is to serve national interests, has actually committed a servere blow to Azerbaijan’s national interests both on the national and international level. A government that blatantly violates freedom of expression and human rights is not worthy of developed and democratic countries, and cannot act as an equal partner in cooperation. In addition, development cannot be achieved in a society that does not have freedom of expession and rights.
Appeals to the International community.
IRFS associates the government’s behavior with a campaign to prepare for the 2008 presidential elections. The campaign will be accompanied by repression against all dissidence. IRFS calls for Azerbaijan’s leadership to cease its persecution of the press and its policies, which are discrediting to the country at an international level. Taking into consideration the fact that there is no internal human rights work occurring, IRFS also appeals to the international community, including the United States and the European Union, to exert pressure on the government and to demand that Azerbaijan fulfill international obligations in the areas of freedom of expression and human rights.
