EU calls Azerbaijani authorities to stop pressing journalists

The presidency in the European Union (EU), which is now carried out by Spain, is worried of the situation in Azerbaijan, where "journalists and other persons, who implemented their right to freedom of self-expression, were convicted on doubtful motives." This is said in the EU's statement that arrived to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent from the representative office of the European Commission in Baku.

"This is the situation with Einullah Fatullaev, former editor-in-chief of newspapers "Real Azerbaijan" and "Gyundelik Azerbaijan", who was convicted to more than 8 years of imprisonment in 2007. In spite of the fact that Fatullaev had already filed a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR); nevertheless, on December 31, 2009, he faced a new charge," runs the document.

The EU calls Azerbaijan to participate "in the full" in ECtHR's trials and to respect and fulfil its decisions.

Emin Guseinov, Director of the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) welcomed the document. "However, along with statements, appeals and admonitions, it's time to pass over to practical steps," Mr Guseinov said in his conversation with the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

In his opinion, such steps may comprise refusal to contact the officials participating in persecuting journalists, rejection of their Schengen visas, etc.