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The growing tension on the human rights situation and ongoing intimidation of mass media in the Republic of Azerbaijan remain to be the point of serious concern among the numerous international organizations. During May, there were dozens of international reactions, but Azerbaijani government is still ignoring the calls to stop intimidating journalists. (30-MAY-07)

On 24 May, the World Press Freedom Committee sent the letter to the President of Republic of Azerbaijan I.Aliyev. The letter reads: “Your Excellency, on behalf of the World Press Freedom Committee —an organization representing 45 press freedom groups from six continents— I wish to express my profound concern about the alarmingly high number of incarcerations of journalists in your country” (25-MAY-07)

The Institute for Reporter Freedom and Safety condemns the government for preventing the newspapers “Realny Azerbaycan” and “Gundalik Azerbaycan” from being published, and the absurd new charges that have been brought against editor Eynulla Fatullayev. On behalf of IRFS, Emin Huseynov (right) calls for Azerbaijan’s leadership to cease its persecution of the press and its policies, which are discrediting to the country at an international level. (23-MAY-07)

On May 20 from 9 p.m. and midnight workers from the Ministry of Emergency Situations carried out an operation to officially remove all employees from the office of Realny and Gundalik Azerbaycan Newspaper and seal the facility shut. Eynulla Fatullayev, the founder and the chief editor of both of these papers who is already serving a 2.5 prison sentence since 20 April 2007, as there was announced that a criminal case for terrorism against him. (22-MAY-07)

Without being familiar with the internal situation, one may consider strange the fact that against the background of GDP growth and state budget, editorial offices´ profits in the Republic of Azerbaijan decline. While the officials convince the west in non-professionalism of national media “incapable to do business under conditions of growing opportunities” the closer look to the reality, through the below article of Mehman Aliyev (on the right), reveals completely different picture. (21-May-07)

On 15-18 May there was held the training “Childbirth with Dignity” as a part of joint project of the Other Space Foundation (Poland-based), Women’s Association for Rational Development (WARD) and Optimed Medical Clinic. The training was conducted by experts from Republic of Poland for representatives of healthcare and media in the Republic of Azerbaijan. (20-MAY-07)

Rovshan Kebirli and Yashar Agazadeh, Chief Editor and his deputy of Muxalifet Newspaper, are sentenced to 2.5 years of imprisonment of the basis of articles 147.1 and 147.2 of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code. The case stemmed from the article “AMAY is the trademark of the Aliyev family,” published on 24 February 2007. (17-MAY-07)

On 15 May press representatives attempted to conduct a protest against recent pressure on freedom of expression and press. The representatives of newspapers Azadlig, Yeni Musavat, Bizim Yol, Gundelik Republic of Azerbaijan, Ganun Journal, Turan News Agency were again dispersed by police, without even a chance to read the resolution. The picket of about 50 journalists ended up with reading resolution at Baku office of Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly. (16-MAY-07)

On the first week of May, the representatives of HRHF from Oslo, Maria Dahle and Ane Tusvik Bonde, had a week’s visit to Baku. The trip was dedicated to the preparatory arrangements and fundraising activities prior to the establishment of the House in Baku. Numerous meeting with representatives of international organizations, Embassies and national organizations confirmed the importance of HRH in Baku. (08-MAY-07)