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A library on human rights opened today in the Azerbaijani Human Rights House. The library contains 3,000 books in different languages on human rights, democracy, gender equality and conflict.

At the the World Press Freedom Day, 3 May, journalists, human rights defenders, public figures, and representatives of international organizations visited the grave of the murdered editor Elmar Huseynov, right. The Human Rights House Foundation, Article 19 and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee were present to honour the editor and to show solidarity with his colleagues.

Police shut down the roads, traffic and malls around the State Oil Academy in an attempt to prevent the commemoration of the anniversary of the shooting rampage at the Academy, where the lone gunman killed 12 and wounded dozens on 30 April last year.

In a statement released today by the independent Azeri human rights organisation Institute of Peace and Democracy, severe concern is expressed over the fact that various kinds of election-related repression has already started, even before the campaign is officially on. Read the full statement below.

Today, 26 April, journalists faced harassment from police and unidentified plain clothed people during an action conducted by Azadlig bloc in front of Icheri Sheher metro station.

The Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS) strongly condemns the violence against journalists by police and plain clothed people today, 26 April, during a protest action that Azadlig bloc held, and assesses this as pressure against freedom of speech.

The European Court of Human Rights issued a decision regarding the case of imprisoned Editor-in-chief of Gundelik Republic of Azerbaijan and Realniy Republic of Azerbaijan Newspapers Eynulla Fatullayev.

Eynulla Fatullayev goes on trial on “trumped up” drugs charges while the European Court examines previous charges. A new trial into the case of imprisoned journalist Eynulla Fatullayev, an investigative journalist and staunch critic of Azerbaijani government was opened on 9 April 2010 in the Garadag District Court.

On 25 March, in London, a presentation ceremony was held for the 10th Freedom of Expression Award of “Censorship index”. Azerbaijani lawyer, Media Rights Institute Head Rashid Hajili received the Law and Campaigning award. This award is given to lawyers or campaigners who have fought repression, or have struggled to change political climates and perceptions.