Over 120 civil society organizations of Azerbaijan joined to the action of appealing to the European Union about the current situation of human rights and democratic values in Azerbaijan. The recent cases of pressure on media are particularly emphasized in the appeal, which calls the European Union to take actions during the talks with the highest level of Azerbaijan’s government. (26-JUN-07)

Placed on website by Shahla Ismailova/HRH Baku
 
APPEAL
 
Mr. Chairman of the European Union,
 
You are well aware that in the grave media situation that has arisen in Azerbaijan there is great danger for journalists.  We would like to inform you about some of the recent repressive acts that have occurred against the press.   At present seven (7) journalists are imprisoned, including four (4) that were imprisoned on the basis of articles 147 and 148 of the Republic of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code (libel and defamation). In addition, there are at least four (4) well-known journalists serving probation due to articles 147 and 148.
 
The problems surrounding the safety of journalists have been stuck to this day in a very serious state. Since the 2 March 2005 ordered brutal shooting of famous Monitor Journal Chief Editor Elmar Huseynov, whose murderers have not been and whose murder case remains incomplete, many other journalists have been subjected pressure, including from “Azadlig” Newspaper Fikret Huseynli (kidnapped and beaten) and Nijat Daglar (beaten by unknown people), from “Zerkalo” Newspaper Rustam Mikayilov and Farid Teymurkhanli (beaten by police), from “Ayna” Newspaper Iddrak Abbasov (beaten by police), from “Bizim Yol” Bahaddin Haziyev (kidnapped, brutally beaten and left an invalid for life), from “Boz Gurd” Newspaper Ramiz Najafli (beaten by police), and from Turan News Agency Sarvan Rizvanov (beaten by police). Coming full circle, as a result of a disagreement with police which turned into a fist-fight “Yeni Musavat” Newspaper photo-correspondent Ali Kazimli was bedridden in the hospital and at home for six months, and ultimately died.
 
In April of this year “Realny Azerbaycan” Military writer Uzeir Jafarov was attacked in front of his own editorial office. He sustained serious head and brain trauma. It is worth noting that even though Jafarov identified one of his attackers is Baku police department employee Nabi Rajabov, an investigation has not been started into Rajabov, and the Internal Affairs Minister even states that he does not believe Jafarov.  It is also interesting that not a single attacker of journalists has been found or punished. Even police that have shown aggression towards journalists wearing special uniforms made at the order of the Press Council with approval from the Interior Ministry are not punished.  
 
In May of this year alone, three leading independent newspapers were forced to close: “Realny Azerbaycan,” “Gundalik Azerbaycan,” and “Baki Khabar.”   In general from January 2006- May 2007 tens of court cases against the mass media have been conducted.  And fines against newspapers have reached a total of over 500,000 USD. The above mentioned incidents testify to the end of the independent press and destruction of the essence of freedom speech.
 
The international community has announced that Ilham Aliyev is an enemy of the press. And officials from the OSCE have announced that Azerbaijan is the most dangerous place to be a journalist in the OSCE space.
 
In light of the gravity of the situation, and comprehending the need for intervention by relevant international organizations which Azerbaijan is a member of and obligations that this country has undertaken, we address to you an urgent appeal:
 
1. Demand from the political management and the highest level of Azerbaijan’s government the release, without exception, of all imprisoned journalists, who are classical prisoners of conscience and political prisoners.
2. Call for unconditional removal articles 147 and 148 (defamation and libel) from the Republic of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code and prompt adoption of the Law “About defamation,” explaining, differentiating and systematizing a concept of honor, advantage and business reputation.
3. Taking into consideration the ceaseless and continuous limitation of freedom of expression and freedom of the press, concrete sanctions against high ranking officials actively involved in the closure of mass media sources and the persecution of journalists must be prepared and applied (for example limiting travel visas to the European Union). We especially would like to emphasize the name of Interior Minister Ramil Usubov. This official has filed 11 lawsuits against journalists, resulting in the imprisonment of one journalist, while probation was given to four others. Also on the list of government officials is Zakir Garalov. Minister of Emergency Situation Kamaleedin Heydarov was behind the eviction of Realny Azebraycan and Gundalik Azerbaycan newspapers.  Minister of Justice Fikret Mammedov does not provide satisfactory conditions for imprisoned journalists, violating their rights to receive medical care, to read newspapers and to write unhindered. National Security Minister Eldar Mahmudov has opened a criminal case on Terrorism (Criminal Code Article 214) due to an article in Realny Azerbaycan in connection with which already imprisoned editor Eynulla Fatullayev is being interrogated and kept in the National Security Ministry’s pre-trial isolator. In addition, on the basis of lawsuits put forth by Chairman for the Committee for Work with Azerbaijanis Living Abroad Nazim Ilbrahimov and Parliamentarian Jalel Aliyev journalists have been imprisoned and given probation.
Among the officials there are also judges who have, in violation of Article 6 of the European Convention on Fundamental Freedoms and Human Rights, imprisoned journalists. They are Narimanov District Court Judge Muslum Aliyev, Sabael District Court Judge Yusif Kerimov, Ysamal District Court Judges Melahet Abdulamanfova and Isa Ismayilova, Grave Crimes Court Judge Azer Orujov, Azerbaijan Republic Appellate Court Judges Mirlasha Huseynov, Latif Nabiyev and Hamid Hamidov, and Azerbaijan Republic Supreme Court Judge Naiman Huseynov.
 
This appeal was signed by the leaders of 120 civil society structures.