OSCE Special Envoy on Freedom of Media calls on Azerbaijan to release arrested journalists

Dunja Mijatovic, OSCE Special Envoy on Freedom of the Media, has expressed her concern in connection with the recent facts of the prosecution of journalists and restrictions of freedom of information in Azerbaijan.

According to the report, received by the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent from the office of the OSCE Special Envoy on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic sent a letter addressed to Elmar Mamedyarov, Foreign Minister, in which she raised the issues concerning Mekhman Guseinov, the photographer of the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS). In particular, Dunja Mijatovic expresses her concern about charges of disorderly conduct filed against the journalist, for which he faces a penalty of up to 5 years of imprisonment. "Just a week ago, I welcomed the release of young blogger Bakhtiyar Gadjiev and expressed my hope that the situation would change for the better. Unfortunately, at present, the negative trends have continued," Dunja Mijatovic stated.

The letter also mentions the verdict against Anar Bairamly, the correspondent of the Iranian TV in Azerbaijan, who was sentenced to 2 years of imprisonment on charges of drug possession.

"I hope that these charges against Mr Guseinov will be removed and that all convicted journalists will be released, including Zaur Guliev and Vugar Gonagov of the 'Khayal TV' TV Channel. Arrests and convictions of journalists represent not the best answer to journalists' criticism," Dunja Mijatovic has emphasized. She has also expressed her concern about the amendments to the legislation, adopted by the Parliament of Azerbaijan on June 12, which restrict the right to receive and disseminate information. Dunja Mijatovic treated that as censorship.