“Elmar Huseynov Memorial” Campaign

The campaign ton he erection of a memorial in honor of slain Azerbaijani journalist Elmar Huseynov (right) started in Azerbaijan. The campaign consists of two stages – collecting signatures and fundraising for creation of the memorial. The effective conduct of the campaign needs the input of the entire society and can be efficient only at unification of efforts. (25-AUG-07)

Written by Shahla Ismailova/HRH Baku on the basis of information received from IRFS

Press Conference
On 24 August in the press center of the Institute for Reporters´ Freedom and Safety, a press conference was held to announce the beginning of the first stage of the campaign.

Turan News Agency Director Mehman Aliyev, “Azadlig” Newspaper Editor Rovhsan Hajibeyli, Media Rights Institute lawyer Hasan Hasanov, “Yeni Musavat” Newspaper Editor Mustafa Hajibeyli, IRFS Director Emin Huseynov and NGO representatives participated in the press conference.

IRFS Chairman Emin Huseynov (right) told participants that in connection with the campaign, an appeal would be sent to the Baku City Executive Administration in accordance with article 57 of Azerbaijan´s Constitution.  According to this appeal, if the local administration can allocate a place for the memorial on Metbuat (Press) Prospect, then funds would be obtained from other sources to the memorial erection.  

Mehman Aliyev (right) recommended that first signatures should be gathered from editors. After this, political parties, human rights advocates and all NGO organizations can be appealed to.

It was also recommended to send forms for gathering signatures to all newspapers´ editorial offices with the aim to accelerate the signature gathering process.

At the end of the meeting, it was decided that every Friday at noon a meeting on the progress of the campaign will take place and any additional work that needs to be done will be determined.