As the situation continues to deteriorate for journalists in Azerbaijan,  ARTICLE 19 appeals to the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights to raise concerns over freedom of expression during his five-day official visit to Azerbaijan. (04-SEP-07) 

Report posted by Natasha Schmidt for ARTICLE 19

The open letter to Thomas Hammarberg, issued on 4 September,  highlights the plight of seven journalists currently in prison in Azerbaijan, many of whom have not been granted due process in the hearing of the allegations against them – giving the country one of the worst records in the region for the treatment of journalists. Drawing attention to recent cases of intimidation and harassment of the media, A19 also outlines specific suggestions for legal reform that should urgently be undertaken to ensure that Azerbaijan complies with its international obligations, including the decriminalisation of defamation. Criminal defamation and other laws are frequently used against the media to silence criticism of public officials. The global free expression campaign organisation appealed to Hammarberg to raise these issues with authorities during his visit.

 In response to Hammarberg’s visit to the country, Agnès Callamard, Executive  Director of ARTICLE 19, said: “This visit is an excellent  opportunity to raise vital concerns in Azerbaijan. The reform of  defamation law is urgently required to provide some measure of  protection from harassment for the Azerbaijani media. It is unacceptable that journalists are imprisoned simply for exercising their profession and providing the public with much needed information”.