Azerbaijani writer-journalist Rafig Tagi was attacked and stabbed 6 times near his home as he was returning from work on the evening of 19 November. Following 7 hours of surgery, doctors managed to save his life. On 21 November, Tagi was removed from the intensive care unit and transferred to the general ward. He was apparently left without appropriate medical or security supervision. Only on 23 November, police officers were allocated by the Interior Ministry to ensure his security. On the same day, at around 3:35pm, Tagi’s health condition suddenly deteriorated and he passed away. According to the forensic examination, his death was caused by complications from injuries in his abdomen, but Tagi’s health condition was good enough on 21-22 November and he gave interviews to several mass media outlets and was able to talk to visitors.

IRFS believes that if the journalist had been ensured the necessary treatment after surviving the assassination attempt, his life could have been saved. However, in the days following the attack, an indifferent approach was demonstrated towards him by the hospital staff and the government authorities.

IRFS believes that Tagi was, in fact, murdered for his journalistic work.

On 23 November, the International Day to End Impunity, journalists throughout the world, protested against the forces murdering their colleagues. The death of journalist in Azerbaijan on such a day demonstrates the severely deteriorating situation of freedom of expression in Azerbaijan. Until now, nobody has been charged for either Rafig Tagi’s murder, or the murder of Monitor Magazine editor-in-chief Elmar Huseynov, who was killed 6 years ago. 

IRFS calls upon the Azerbaijani government to bring those responsible for these murders to  justice and end the impunity with which attacks on journalists are carried out today in Azerbaijan.

IRFS calls upon the international community to maintain focus on freedom of expression in Azerbaijan and demonstrate their solidarity with Azerbaijani journalists.

Please see the IRFS statement here.

Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety