The Institute for Reporter Freedom and Safety opened the press center in its office within the framework of legal assistance project. IRFS Director, Project Coordinator Emin Huseynov (right) said that the project and the press center are funded by the United States’ National Endowment for Democracy. Huseynov also noted that for a year any journalist or journalism organization that wishes will be able to conduct events for free in IRFS’ press center. (20-JUN-07)

Placed on website by Shahla Ismailova/HRH Baku on the basis of information from IRFS
 
Within the framework of the project, journalists will be provided legal consulting for both criminal and civil lawsuits. In addition, trainings for journalists on legal issues will be held once a week. The legal services and trainings will be carried out by lawyer Isakhan Ashurov. In addition, within the framework of the project, bulletins focusing on problems of the mass media will be published.
 
Lawyer Isakhan Ashurov stated that journalists can appeal to IRFS’ hotline (12 418-03-34) 24 hours a day for legal advice.
 
During the event, Ombudsman Office Press Secretary Zemfira Maharremli, on behalf of Ombudsman Elmira Suleymanova, congratulated IRFS on the opening of its press center and stated that the Ombudsman Office was ready for cooperation in the area of defense of freedom of expression. 
 
Mehman-Aliyev-1In addition, Turan Information Agency Director Mehman Aliyev (right), Yeni Musavat Newspaper Chief Editor Rauf Arifoglu, Bizim Yol Newspaper Chief Editor Baheddin Haziyev, director of the Baku office of Helsinki Citizen’s Assembly Arzu Abdullayeva, Journalists’ Trade Union Chairman Mushvig Alesgerli, human rights advocate Ilgar Ibrahimoglu, television expert Zeynal Mammedli and IRFS co-founders Sarvan Rizvanov and Iddrak Abbasov spoke at the event.