“The first “Solidarity Marathon” completed successfully”, said Emin Huseynov (right), the director of  the Institute for Reporter Freedom and Safety, which initiated this action. Covering the period of 22 June – 22 July 2007, the marathon was aimed at raising money to assist the families of the seven imprisoned journalists of Azerbaijan. It also served as an indicator of solidarity within Azerbaijan’s civil society and journalistic community. (24-JUL-07)

Written by Shahla Ismailova/ HRH Baku on the basis of information from IRFS

Brief information about the imprisoned journalists’ families
1. Sakit Zahidov – unemployed wife, 5 children, including 4 that are minors
2. Samir Huseynov – unemployed wife, two young children
3. Rafik Tagi – unemployed wife, two young children
4. Faramez Allahverdiyev – unemployed wife, three children that are minors
5. Eynulla Fatullayev – elderly mother and father
6. Rovshan Kebirli – unemployed wife, three children that are minors
7. Yashar Agazadeh – elderly mother and father

Results of the marathon
On 23 July 2007 the Institute for Reporter Freedom and Safety conducted a press conference on the results of the “Solidarity” Fundraising Marathon to benefit the families of Azerbaijan’s seven imprisoned journalists.
Family members of the imprisoned journalists, marathon participants and mass media representatives participated in the conference.

Speaking at the conference, IRFS Director Emin Huseynov (right) said that 195 people participated in the marathon, including mass media and NGO representatives, Milli Mejlis deputies, political party leaders, human rights advocates, independent journalists, students, small businessmen and foreign citizens.

The total amount of raised money is 1938 AZM (about 2,250 USD). 

After announcement of the results, the imprisoned journalists’ relatives were given the floor. They said that the journalists were imprisoned for their writings and their ideas.

At the end of the press conference, Emin Huseynov announced that the next “Solidarity” Marathon would be dedicated to gathering funds for a memorial to honor slain journalist Elmar Huseynov.