Imprisoned Editor-in-Chief of “Realny Azerbaijan” and “Gundalik Azerbayjan” newspapers Eynulla Fatullayev (right) has started a hunger-strike in Prison #12. Eynulla appealed to the prison’s leadership in the written form, informing them about the hunger-strike. Later over 40 journalists, political activists and political prisoners in total joined the hunger-strike. (10-APR-08)
Written by Shahla Ismailova/HRH Azerbaijan on the basis of materials from Turan News Agency, IRFS, Yeni Musavat
Eynulla Fatullayev demanded that all journalists and political prisoners should be released, and that the Council of Europe and OSCE should present a mechanism to Azerbaijan’s society for resolution of the political prisoners and prisoners of conscience problem.
In a show of solidarity, other journalists, political activists and political prisoners also joined the hunger-strike. Among them are the imprisoned strikers are Ganimat Zahid (“Azadlig” Newspaper Chief Editor), Ali Insanov (former Minister of Health), Mushvig Huseynov (correspondent of “Bizim Yol” Newspaper), Sakit Zahidov (satiric journalist of “Azadlig” Newspaper), Rasim Alekperov (military officer, political prisoner), Ruslan Beshirli, Mushvig Medatov, etc. Numerous members of Musavat Party, Popular front Party, Classic Popular Front Party, Democratic Liberal Party joined the protest action as well.
The employees of the Freedom of Speech Defense Committee adopted the decision, according to which anyone can join the hunger-strike for up to three days. People who have a lot of work will be permitted to strike in the office of Azerbaijan’s National Committee of the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly for one day. The head of the organization, Arzu Abdullayeva (right) is among the hunger strikers as well.
International reaction
European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby expressed his position on the hunger-strike: “In a country prided for democracy and stability journalists should not be punished for mistaken opinions or for criticizing the government. This is a demand of the international organizations and European institutions that Azerbaijan is a member of”.
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On April 1 Council of Europe Secretary General’s Special Representative for Azerbaijan Denis Bribosia (right) visited the hunger-strikers. Bribosia inquired about the participant’s health, and said, “I regret that you have to take this kind of action for your voice to be heard. I will convey what I have heard here today to the Secretary General. All monitoring organs of the Council of Europe will be involved in monitoring freedom of speech in Azerbaijan. I hope that this problem will be resolved in the near future.”
