National and International Support to Realny Azerbaijan

Violence and the threat of violence against journalists have become frequent in Azerbaijan and often such crimes are committed with impunity. A dramatic increase in defamation charges brought against journalists by state officials has further contributed to the deteriorating environment for freedom of expression. The conviction of Fatullayev (on the right), editor in chief of Realny Azerbaijan, and attack on his colleague, comes amid the Azerbaijani government’s growing hostility toward independent and opposition media, which raises serious concerns about the future of independent media and the security of journalists in the country. (26-APR-07)

Written by Shahla Ismailova/HRH Baku on the basis of materials from Turan Information Agency, Institute of Reporters’ Freedom and Safety, Yeni Musavat Newspaper, Eynullayev’s lawyer Isakhan Ashurov, human rights defenders in the Committee to Defend the Rights of Fatullayev; photos by Yeni Musavat, IRFS, Turan News Agency

Protest Action
On April 24 about a hundred Azerbaijani media representatives staged an unauthorized picket in Sabir Garden. Police tried to prevent the journalists from gathering in the garden and pushed them aside.

Meanwhile, journalists gathered along the Old City walls and chanted slogans demanding the observation of freedom of speech and the release of imprisoned journalists. In particular they demanded the release of Eynulla Fatullayev, the editor of Realny Azerbaijan newspaper.
 
The journalists read out a resolution demanding an end to the harassment of journalists and violations of freedom of speech. Representatives of foreign diplomatic missions, the OSCE office and human rights activists monitored the picket.

Committee to Defend E.Fatullayev’s Rights Formed  
In the wake of Realniy Azerbycan Newspaper Chief Editor Eynulla Fatullayev’s arrest local NGOs, press and civil society came together to form the Committee to Defend the Rights of Eynulla Fatullayev. Arzu Abullayev, head of Azerbaijan’s chapter of the Helsinki Citizen’s Commission, is heading this body. In the Committee’s first meeting it released a statement calling for Fatullayev’s release and the restoration of justice.

International Reaction
CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon: “The jailing of Eynulla Fatullayev is part of a pattern of increasing repression of independent media in Azerbaijan, often through politically motivated defamation cases. It is outrageous that he should be imprisoned for a statement he says he never made. He should be freed immediately.”

Amnesty International: “Continuing assaults on the freedom of expression and the lack of government activity to curb this trend are damaging for the country’s international reputation. The government of Azerbaijan’s failure to address concerns expressed by Azerbaijani journalists, human rights activists and international organizations was acknowledged in Resolution 1545 of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 16 April.”

Human Rights Watch, Europe and Central Asia director Holly Cartner: “Fatullayev’s prosecution was politically motivated, and he should be immediately released from custody. The steady rise of politically motivated defamation charges and violent attacks against critical journalists is clearly aimed at silencing critical voices in Azerbaijan…Attacks on journalists and the lack of accountability for these crimes are crushing freedom of the press and expression in Azerbaijan. If this crackdown on the media continues, it will be nearly impossible for Azerbaijan to hold free and fair presidential elections next year.” 

U.S. Embassy’s head of Public Affairs Department Jonathan Henick: “The criminal prosecution of journalists is inadmissible in a democratic society. We have doubts as to this trial. In democratic society journalist cannot be deprived of liberty for his articles.”

Freedom House: “Azerbaijan’s Constitution guarantees freedom of the press, but the government hardly respects it and media freedom continues to decline in practice. Harassment and violence against journalist remains a serious concern.”
 
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszt: “Media freedom in Azerbaijan is under growing pressure from the authorities. With Fatullayev, the number of journalists in prison in the country rises to five. Unfortunately, all cases have been based on arbitrary, politically motivated charges, and handled in disregard of the principles of free speech.”