Commemoration of 3rd anniversary of murder of journalist in Azerbaijan

Written by Shahla Ismayilova/HRH Azerbaijan on the basis of materials form IRFS

The friends and colleagues of Elmar Huseynov visited the grave of the slain journalist and commemorated the 3-rd anniversary of his murder. Among the visited were the representatives of national organizations, political parties, mass media outlets, international organizations and diplomatic corps.

Round Table
The Round Table devoted to the anniversary was organized in the office of the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety.

The human rights advocate Arzu Abdullayeva (right) stressed that TV channels didn´t show up at the graveside memorial service for Elmar Huseynov, and said, “This is a sorrow for the whole country. Elmar was murdered, he didn´t simply die. The society and the government have duties as well. They did this so that the event couldn´t be broadcast. All talented people are either imprisoned or attacked and pressured here. Why should the Azerbaijani people keep their heads low because of the government´s inactivity? Whenever we decide to conduct protests police show up at the site before we do. How come no one was aware of Elmar´s murder? He told his wife that he would be murdered when he left home on the morning that he was murdered. This means that he was followed at every step, but now it turns out neither the government nor the National Security Ministry was aware of Elmar Huseynov´s murder. The government should make an attempt to find the murderers and to bring them to justice.” Abdullayeva made a suggestion, “Let the Organization Committee of Elmar Huseynov Fund, IRFS, Press Council and the Committee to Protect Freedom of Speech conduct a joint protest about Elmar Huseynov. Let´s form a working group consisting of lawyers. This group should conduct an investigation and should inform the public about the results.”

“Azadlig” Newspaper Editor Rovshan Hajibeyli said, “Since Elmar’s murder the pressures and attacks against the press have been on the rise. Instead of preventing these we step backwards. Neither newspapers nor other means of information publish anything about Elmar Huseynov. Although we know the murderers and people behind this murder, it is not uncovered.”

Norway´s Ambassador to Azerbaijan John Ramberg (right) emphasizing the close friendship of Elmar with Norway called on the Azerbaijani government to join forces to find his murderers as was promised by the officials. He noted, “This – Elmar´s murderers being at large- deepens the tragedy. We always stressed that Elmar was the most prominent and the most courageous member of critical journalism.”

IRFS director Emin Huseynov said, “We don´t see any progress in the investigation of Elmar Huseynov´s case. I deeply regret that close relatives of the journalist and journalists that faced pressures didn´t participate in the memorial campaign for Elmar. I assume that either our feelings disappeared or they are afraid of something. We need to force the government to find the murderers of Huseynov and to punish them.”

Appeal to president
At the ceremony of third anniversary of Elmar’s death Institute for Reporters´ Freedom and Safety Director Emin Huseynov read out appeal about the creation of a monument to Elmar Huseynov. In the appeal it is noted that a group of representatives from civil society and the public have been to Metbuat (Press) Prospect and conducted monitoring to choose a convenient location to erect a monument to Elmar Huseynov.

The appeal has been signed by 90 people. Among the signers there are leaders of political parties, NGO chairmen and representatives, media organization directors, journalists, the readers of “Monitor” Magazine, friends and relatives of the journalist, and ordinary citizens participating in the ceremony.

Investigation of Elmar’s murder case
An appeal will be sent to the European Court of Human Rights about delays in the investigation into “Monitor” Journal Chief Editor Elmar Huseynov’s murder, and the investigation’s failure to provide about any information to the public. According to lawyer Elton Guliyev, in the near future one international organization concerned about delays in the investigation will file a complaint in the European Court of Human Rights.