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The Uzbek Bureau for Human Rights and the Rule of Law (Uzbekistan) and the Institute for Peace and Democracy (Azerbaijan) published the book “Azerbaijan and Republic of Uzbekistan. Human Rights and Democratic Freedoms in 2006”. The presentation of the book will take place on the 15-th of June with participation of representatives from Middle Asia countries. The book claims about raising similarities of these two countries, preventing the development of economic market, liberalism and democracy. (06-JUNE-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)

The Sabail District Court passed a verdict on the criminal case against “Senet” newspaper chief editor Samir Sedagetoglu and Rafik Tagi (on the right), author of the controversial religious article “Europe and Us”. Sedagetoglu received four years of imprisonment and Rafik Tagi received 3 years due to their alleged violation of articles 187.1 and 187.2. of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code. (07-MAY-07)

World Press Freedom Day honors sacrifices around the world made for press freedom and puts pressure of governments that deny their citizenry of this basic human right. Over one hundred of journalists, human rights activists, public leaders, opposition parliament deputies and representatives of the US embassy marked World Press Freedom Day in the Republic of Azerbaijan by visiting the grave of Elmar Huseynov, slain editor of the Monitor magazine. (03-May-07)

Over 20 journalists appealed to foreign embassies for political asylum. The journalists claim that constant government harassment give them no space to work as journalists and there is permanent danger to their lives, however, the head of presidential administration Ramiz Mehdiyev (right) claims that there is no pressure on press in the Republic of Azerbaijan. (31-MAY-07)

On 23 May the Azerbaijani Government introduced the unexpected and shocking ban on using amplifiers to broadcast the Arabic call to prayer, a distinctive trademark of Muslim countries around the world. However after strong national dissatisfaction the ban was called “misunderstanding” and was abolished after the meeting of the Caucasus Muslim Administrator with the President I.Aliyev. (31-May-07)

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)