English PEN calls for these allegations to be fully and independently investigated. English PEN seeks assurances of Sakit Zakhidov’s well-being, and calls for his immediate and unconditional release under Article 19 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Azerbaijan is party.

Politicaly-motivated charges
Azerbaijani satirist and government critic Sakit Zakhidov, known by his pen name, Mirza Sakit, was jailed in June 2006 for allegedly carrying narcotics, but human right groups say his detention is politically motivated. His brother, who is chief-editor of opposition newspaper Azadliq, is also in jail under hooliganism charges since early this year.

Beaten in jail
Zakhidov was receiving treatment for long standing heart disease at the Justice Ministry Penitentiary Services’ Treatment Facility until 18 October 2008. Prison officials beat him heavily on his abdomen and kidneys when he was returned to Prison #14 without having finished his treatment.

On 27 October, delegates from the Organisation of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Norwegian, French and US embassies went to the prison where a closed meeting was held with Zakhidov, when, according to reports, Zakhidov reported that although his condition had improved, he remained unwell.
The beating happened almost a week after Azadliq published Sakit’s satirical poem, ‘Further up with Ilham’, in which he sharply criticised the controversial 15 October presidential elections, which the incumbent president won.

Appeals
English PEN asks for your help. Please send appeals: 

 – Expressing serious concern at reports that Sakit Mirza Zakhidov was assaulted when transferred out of medical care facility and urging that this assault is fully and independently investigated;
– Seeking assurances of Sakit Mirza Zakhidov’s well-being, and calling for his immediate and unconditional release if held in violation of his right to freedom of expression as guaranteed under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Azerbaijan is a state party.
– Calling for an end to the imprisonment and harassment of journalists in Azerbaijan in the practice of their right to freedom of expression.