The organization resolutely condemns the crackdown on journalists at an election rally in Sabirabad on 4 October, which IRFS believes to be a deliberate attack orchestrated by the local authorities.

As such, a group of journalists from independent and opposition media outlets was attacked by a pro-governmental mob whilst covering a sanctioned opposition rally in Sabirabad region in central Azerbaijan. While police officers stood by idly at the scene, the journalists were assaulted, and their equipment was damaged by the mob. Instead of dispersing the attackers,  the policemen joined them in beating journalists.

Fear that the situation is getting out of control

– As the election nears, the atmosphere has not been conducive to a calm working environment for the media. The crackdown on our colleagues is one more in a series of repressive measures and provocations orchestrated by those who want to stifle and intimidate any form of dissent before the election, says IRFS CEO and Chairman Emin Huseynov.

– With more than 10 journalists languishing behind bars, the revival of the Soviet-style propaganda on the national TV channels, and total impunity for violence against journalists, we fear that the situation is rapidly getting out of control and journalists are no longer able to do their job in freedom and safety, Huseynov stated.

IRFS demands from Azerbaijani authorities to promptly and thoroughly investigate beating and harassment of those journalists and to bring the attackers to justice and do their utmost to ensure the safety of Azerbaijani journalists.

You can read the full statement from IRFS here.


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