On 10 November 2007, the editor in chief of Azadlig newspaper Ganimat Zahidov (right) was arrested, being formally charged with committing hooliganism (Article 221.1) and inflicting minor bodily harm (Article 127.2.3). Thus, the father of four young children and the uncle of five children of his imprisoned brother, Sakit Zahidov – well-known “Azadlig” Newspaper satiric/journalist, Ganimat Zahidov can be imprisoned for a minimum of 3 years. (13-NOV-07)

Written by Shahla Ismailova/ HRH Baku on the basis of materials from IRFS, Turan info agency, ANS TV channel; photos from IRFS and Shahla Ismailova

On 7 November 2007 there occurred the incident, which put the beginning of the arrest of G.Zahidov. It happened in front of the Publishing House in which one woman accused Zahid of insulting her, and a conflict subsequently broke out between Zahid and V. Huseynov, who was accompanying the woman. Convicted on both charges, Zahid could be imprisoned for a minimum of 3 years.

Although the official version of the arrest is related with the incident, in which Ganimat Zahidov was allegedly involved, the journalist himself is absolutely sure that this is just another way to silence him. He said, “Through this they want to make us afraid, to force us to be silent and to put an end to our criticism of the government.”

Elchin-BehbutovHowever, according to Elchin Behbudov (right), head of the Committee Against Torture and lawyer Osman Kazimov, who met with the journalist, Ganimat Zahidov was not subjected to any physical pressure. “He did not complain about the conditions of his detainment or the prison administration. We examined his body, and there were no mark indicating he has been subjected to torture,” said Behbudov.

National reaction to the incident
The arrest of another critical journalist caused high public attention and concern. There were conducted a number of meetings with participation of human rights defenders, political parties, journalists’ organizations, lawyers, etc. One of the outputs of the meetings was a joint appeal to the president Ilham Aliyev, signed by a number of public and political figures of Azerbaijan.

Musavat Party parliamentarian group member Penah Huseyn told journalists today that an appeal has been sent to the Prosecutor General calling for the release of “Azadlig” Newspaper Chief Editor Ganimat Zahidov. So far 13 members of Azerbaijan’s parliament, the Milli Mejlis, have signed the appeal.

 “The government of Azerbaijan is concerned about the arrest of journalists,” Presidential Administration Socio-Political Department head Ali Hasanov told journalists.

“The newspapers being published in Azerbaijan and the articles in these newspaper show that there is freedom of the press and freedom of expression, Azerbaijan has a democratic society, and there are no attacks on the press,” said Milli Mejlis Human Rights Committee Chairperson, Yeni Azerbayjan member Rabiyyat Aslanova.

International reaction to the incident
The international community is very much concerned by the arrest of another journalist in Azerbaijan, which is an indicator of the poor state of human rights and freedom of expression in Azerbaijan.

The World Union of Azerbaijan Political Immigrants disseminated a statement condemning the arrest of “Azadlig” Newspaper Chief Editor Ganimat Zahidov. The union expresses its concern about the pressure on the press, and calls for an end to the pressure on the press and the release of Zahidov and all imprisoned journalists.

Norway’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Jan Ramberg told “Olaylar” that he regrets the arrest of “Azadlig” Newspaper Chief Editor Ganimat Zahidov. According to Ramberg, the chief editor’s arrest arouses regret in every person who believes that the strong press is a pillar of democracy in Azerbaijan.  “I accept this as an event that arouses disappointment,” said Ramberg.

The U.S. Statement Department also released a statement. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said, “Against the backdrop of numerous instances in recent months of beatings of journalists, law suits and imprisonment of media representatives on criminal defamation and other charges, we are deeply concerned by the November 11 conviction of Ganimat Zahidov, chief editor of Azadliq, a pro-opposition newspaper that is routinely critical of the government and authorities of Azerbaijan……. A free press and active civil society are fundamental elements of any democracy and are essential to the protection of citizens’ basic rights. We strongly urge the Government of Azerbaijan to comply with its stated commitments to respect freedom of speech and rule of law and to support the development of an independent media in Azerbaijan.”

The arrest of “Azadlig” Newspaper Chief Editor Ganimat Zahidov was discussed by the OSCE Permanent Council during a meeting in Vienna. OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Miklos Haraszti reported this in an interview to “Radio Liberty.” Representatives from 56 countries were on hand for the discussion.

And the Committee to Protect Journalists released a statement on G. Zahid’s arrest. In the statement, CPJ’s Executive Director Joel Simon said, “We are greatly disturbed by the actions of the Azerbaijani authorities, who use spurious charges to gag opposition journalists…. Azerbaijan shamefully remains the leading jailer of journalists in Europe and Central Asia. We call on the prosecutor to drop all charges in this case.”