The number of journalists, seeking for political asylum continues to grow has reached 25. Meanwhile, the deputies of the Milli Mejlis (National Parliament) accuse press representatives in “damaging the prestige of Azerbaijan in the international arena”. The deputy Siyavush Novruzov publicly stated that these journalists do not have “Azerbaijani blood”, for which the journalists prepare to file a lawsuit against him. (17-JUN-07)
Written by Shahla Ismailova /HRH Baku on the basis of materials from IRFS, Turan Info Agency, Yeni Musavat Newspaper.
The journalists interpreted this phrase as an insult and plan to demand Novruzov to pay a fine for moral damages.
In addition the group of 25 Azerbaijani asylum-seeking journalists appealed to Presidential Administration head Ramiz Mehdiyev, Chief Prosecutor Zakir Garalov, Interior Affairs Ministry Ramil Usubov, Presidential Administration Socio-Political Department Ali Hasanov for meetings as these officials called the journalists´ effort to receive political asylum unfounded, stating that necessary conditions for the media had been created in Azerbaijan.
Reporters Without Borders 
However, the press-watchdog organization Reporters Without Borders comment this action as the following: “The recourse to this measure highlights the difficulties that independent and opposition journalists have been encountering for many years despite their repeated appeals for help. The international community must now get to grips with the issue of press freedom in Azerbaijan.”
Response from Embassies
Although all these journalists (except Alibeyli) appealed to the OSCE and United Nations Baku offices, as well as German, British, American, Norwegian and French embassies in Baku for political asylum, none of them has so far received a response. Some of the embassies stated that they research their cases.
