The Women’s Council of Popular Front Party organized a press conference on the theme “Women for freedom of Expression” at International Press Center. The conference, held with participation of the representatives from political parties, human rights organizations and mass media, concluded that the freedom of expression is in serious danger in Azerbaijan. (16-DEC-07)
             
Written by Shahla Ismayilova/HRH Azerbaijan on the basis of materials from Popular Front Party, IRFS
              
The poor human rights records in the area of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly were of special concern among the participants. There were also voiced the concerns regarding the pressure on journalists and the methods of protests by the journalists.

Leyla-Yunus-2The human rights defender Leyla Yunus (right) suggested appealing to Ganimat Zahid, “Azadlig” editor in chief, to stop the hunger-strike. “We all need him, because he expresses out views well to society. We also must support the hunger-strike action started by the journalists who are free.” She also suggested sending an appeal to Baku City’s Executive Administration regarding the conduction of rallies in “Azadlig” Square every week. “If these appeals are rejected, the women should then appeal the courts”, said Yunus.

Another human rights defender, Novella Jafaroglu said, “We shouldn’t concentrate our energies only on one political prisoner. We must defend not only one prisoner, but also all prisoners. I think we must carry out a lot of rallies together to express our views, even if we are beaten or insulted.”

Visiting the journalist
Sahib-MamedovOn 15 December 2007 human rights advocates visited “Azadlig” Newspaper editor-in-Chief. Sahib Mammadov (right), Public Committee coordinator in the Justice Minister told this to the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety. According to him, editor-in-chief’s health is normal. “Editor-in-Chief concerns about his imprisonment and he is displeased with court decision regarding two month of pre-trial detention”.