The Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS) appeals to the international community to mark the birthday on 17 July of the slain “Monitor” weekly magazine Editor-in-Chief, Elmar Huseynov. IRFS asks people abroad gather in front of Azerbaijan’s embassies and demand that the Azeri government find Huseynov’s murderers and bring them to justice. (17-JULY-08)

Based on information from www.irfs.az

elmar_huseynov.gifIn Azerbaijan, on 17 July, IRFS and other local NGOs, as well as civil society figures, gathered at Elmar Huseynov’s grave. Editors-in-chief, journalists, politicians, representatives from the international community and NGOs, and Huseynov´s relatives participated in ceremony that was held in the journalist´s remembrance. The Chairman Shahbaz Khuduoglu of the “Elmar Huseynov Fund” emphasized that Huseynov was murdered by evil people and left this world as a hero.

Later Musavat Party Leader Isa Gambar spoke and said that the crime was no accident, but was committed to cover up other crimes or to prevent public protest against these crimes.  

Campaign for memory monument
Institute for Reporters´ Freedom and Safety (IRFS) Chairman Emin Huseynov talked about the continuing campaign to erect a monument in memory of Elmar Huseynov on Matbuat Prospect. – We appealed to the Baku City Executive Administration with more than 500 signatures. They told us to appeal to the president. After this, we appealed to the president a third time, the matter was sent to the Yasamal District Executive Administration. In the response sent to us several months later, we were advised to appeal to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. We did and they answered saying that we need to appeal to the president.  Even though a month has passed since our appeal to the president, we haven´t received any reply. I have no doubt that this government now revenges his spirits. Everyone knows that his murderers haven´t been found for certain reasons,” Emin Huseynov said.

Background
Elmar Huseynov, a well-known and highly respected journalist, was murdered in front of his home on 2 March 2005. To this day no one has been brought to justice for this crime and his murder remains unsolved. One of the currently imprisoned journalists, Eynulla Fatullayev, was targeted shortly after he published a report alleging an official cover-up of Huseynov´s murder.

Journalists remain in jail
Four journalists are still wrongfully in jail and the killers of beloved journalist Elmar Huseynov are still free. The Institute for Reporter Freedom and Safety (IRFS) wants you to voice these wrongs on 17 July, Huseynov´s birthday, at your Azerbaijani embassy or online with banners on your website.