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OSCE representative alarmed by attack on Azerbaijani journalist
18:08, 22.08.2014
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja MijatoviÄ? today said
she was alarmed by yesterday's violent attack on journalist Ilgar
Nasibov in Nakhichevan, Azerbaijan.
`I call on the authorities to conduct a swift and thorough
investigation of this brutal attack on Nasibov and bring those
responsible to justice,' MijatoviÄ? said. `This criminal act has an
enormous chilling effect on free expression and free media and it
could inspire future crimes against members of the media.'
Nasibov, a journalist actively contributing to several media outlets
in Azerbaijan, including Turan News Agency and Radio Free Europe/Radio
Liberty, was assaulted on 21 August by a number of individuals in his
office at the Resource Centre for Development of NGOs and Democracy in
Nakhichevan. Nasibov sustained serious injuries, including concussion,
broken cheekbones, nose and ribs. He is still in a very critical
condition and receiving medical treatment at the hospital. The
attackers also smashed and destroyed property and office equipment.
Nasibov has been prosecuted, threatened and physically attacked
several times in the past. In December 2007, he was arrested and
convicted to a one-year suspended sentence for libel charges. In July
2011, Nasibov, together with other journalists, was assaulted and
briefly detained by the police. Both issues were raised by the
Representative with the Azerbaijani authorities.
Following a recent crackdown on free media voices in Azebaijan,
MijatoviÄ? also expressed concern about continuing harassment of the
Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS).
`This ongoing persecution of independent journalists, media activists
and freedom of expression advocates must stop immediately. The
authorities in Azerbaijan have to do their utmost to stop these
practices,' MijatoviÄ? said.
MijatoviÄ? said that her Office was ready to support Azerbaijan in
fulfilling its media freedom commitments and that a visit to Baku in
the near future would help address these issues.
Armenia News - NEWS.am
18:08, 22.08.2014
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja MijatoviÄ? today said
she was alarmed by yesterday's violent attack on journalist Ilgar
Nasibov in Nakhichevan, Azerbaijan.
`I call on the authorities to conduct a swift and thorough
investigation of this brutal attack on Nasibov and bring those
responsible to justice,' MijatoviÄ? said. `This criminal act has an
enormous chilling effect on free expression and free media and it
could inspire future crimes against members of the media.'
Nasibov, a journalist actively contributing to several media outlets
in Azerbaijan, including Turan News Agency and Radio Free Europe/Radio
Liberty, was assaulted on 21 August by a number of individuals in his
office at the Resource Centre for Development of NGOs and Democracy in
Nakhichevan. Nasibov sustained serious injuries, including concussion,
broken cheekbones, nose and ribs. He is still in a very critical
condition and receiving medical treatment at the hospital. The
attackers also smashed and destroyed property and office equipment.
Nasibov has been prosecuted, threatened and physically attacked
several times in the past. In December 2007, he was arrested and
convicted to a one-year suspended sentence for libel charges. In July
2011, Nasibov, together with other journalists, was assaulted and
briefly detained by the police. Both issues were raised by the
Representative with the Azerbaijani authorities.
Following a recent crackdown on free media voices in Azebaijan,
MijatoviÄ? also expressed concern about continuing harassment of the
Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS).
`This ongoing persecution of independent journalists, media activists
and freedom of expression advocates must stop immediately. The
authorities in Azerbaijan have to do their utmost to stop these
practices,' MijatoviÄ? said.
MijatoviÄ? said that her Office was ready to support Azerbaijan in
fulfilling its media freedom commitments and that a visit to Baku in
the near future would help address these issues.
Armenia News - NEWS.am