Written by Shahla Ismailova/HRH Baku, on the basis of materials from Turan Information Agency, Institute for Reporter Freedom and Safety, Azadlig Newspaper, Musavat Newspaper, DayAz Information Agency.
During last few months, the situation of media in Azerbaijan has been within the attention of national and international society. The persecution and arrest of journalists, doubtful trials and lack of partiality still leaves the media freedom in the list of unrealizable dreams of Azerbaijani society. Currently there are 4 imprisoned journalists, 1 journalist on probation and dozens of journalists regularly threatened, attacked or persecuted. The number of murdered journalists within last two years is 2, still without any progress in criminal investigation (16-SEPT-2006)
Murders 
The murder of the editor-in-chief of Monitor weekly magazine Elmar Huseynov (on the right) at the door of his home and the death of Yeni Musavat journalist Alim Kazimly of the heart, caused by police injustice remain the main indicators of the terrible media situation since 2005. Despite of numerous national and international appeals, Elmar Huseynov’s murder has still been undiscovered, which is explained by the journalists’ supporters and friends as “how can the government, criticized by Elmar, be interested in fair investigation”.
Attacks and Threats
The threats and attacks which have always been a key component of the journalists’ work in Azerbaijan, became more frequent in the last few months. The journalists, mostly writing for pro-opposition newspapers with the critical view to the ruling regime and highlighting the deeds of the high-ranking officials, are the permanent target of threat and persecution.
Just a few months passed since the attacks and attempts to murder “Azadlig” Newspaper reporter Fikret Huseynli and Bizim Yol Editor-in-Chief Baheddin Haziyev; but there are new cases of threats and attacks of journalists.
Among the most recent example is the phone call on the 10-th of September to Yeni Musavat Newspaper journalist Mustafa Hajibeyli from the telephone number (050) 314-1417, who threatened him to “stop writing the hot-tempered articles, otherwise the end will be bad”. The phone call might be caused by the recent critical articles of M.Hajibeyli about the Haji Mamedov Court trial.
On the same day, another journalist of Yeni Musavat Newspaper Sabuhi Mammedli, who is famous for his critics towards the ruling party and the state officials was attempted to be beaten by two unknown people on his way home. Luckily, the journalist could run away.
Imprisonment 
Shahin Agabeyli (on the right) – the editor-in-chief of Milli Yol Newspaper, was sentenced to one year of imprisonment under articles 147 and 148 of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code (libel and insult), on the basis of a claim put forth by Milli Mejlis Deputy from ruling party Arif Rahimzadeh. Recalling, that Shahin Agabeyli was first brought to court for “insulting” the Interior Minister Ramil Usubov, who according to S.Agabeyli, backed and benefited financially from the criminal activities of Haji Mamedov’s group. However, unexpectedly, the hournalist apologized to Ramil Usubov, saying that his article was written under the “emotional influence” of Haji Mamedov’s testimony about the murder of journalist Elmar Huseynov. After that, S.Agabeyli was sentenced for the suit by the member of the Parliament.
Injustice to journalists
The Nasimi Region Prosecutor overruled Police Department No. 19 decided not to investigate a complaint filed by TURAN Information Agency correspondent Sarvan Rizvanov. This occurred after Rizvanov filed a lawsuit against the police department. Rizvanov was pressing for criminal charges to be brought against Yasamal Region Deputy Police Chief Chingiz Mamedov. On 9 November 2005, during an “Azadlig” Block rally, while Rizvanov was carrying out his professional duties as a reporter and a member of the Press Council’s Monitoring Group, he was struck with a baton by Mamedov, and, as result, sustained injuries to his left leg and arm. In addition, according to Rizvanov, on 9 April 2006, an unknown man called him and threatened to kill him is continued to pursue this case in court. Rizvanov has sent a number of appeals regarding police violence to the courts, however no charges have been brought against the officers.
Trials 
Sakit Zahidov (on the right) – the satirical journalist of Azadlig newspaper has been under the arrest for “drug trafficking”. The trials are continued and observed by a number of national human rights defenders and international organizations.
Fikret Faramazoglu – the editor of “24 Saat” Newspaper is being sued by Milli Mejlis Deputy Javid Gurbanov, under Articles 147 and 148 of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code (libel and insult).
Press Council
The representatives of the Press Council, highly concerned by the conflict between the journalists of different newspapers and the officials, organized a series of meetings with the state representatives to clarify some issues and ask them to stop suing the representatives of the media. The high officials were requested to send their complaints to the Press Council instead of appealing to court. Such meetings were made with the Interior Minister Ramil Usubov (on the right) and the head of the presidential administration’s public-political department Ali Hasanov.
Besides, the Press Council sent an appeal to Makhmud Nabiyev, chairman of the grave crimes court, and judge Azer Orujev, who is chairing the case of satirist Sakit Zahidov. The appeal expressed a hope that the charges of drugs trafficking brought against the satirist “are very grave.” Press Council hopes that the trial will be objective and the case will be considered “in the context of freedom of speech and freedom of the press, and that Zahidov’s family status will be taken into consideration.”
The Press Council also asked that conditions be created to foster coverage of the trial by media and that the hearing being conducted in a big hall.
