The Institute for the Freedom and Security of Reporters (ICBL) of Azerbaijan condemned the authorities for increasing pressure on press freedom and called for a safe environment for freedom of expression. This is stated in the statement issued by the World Press Freedom Day on 3 May.
The document calls for the release of journalists and bloggers Elchin Mamed, Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, Abid Gafarov, Awaz Zeynalla, Elnur Shukurov, Rashad Ramazanov, Polad Aslanov, on fabricated and politically motivated charges Aslan Gurbanova, Osman Rzayev and others. The authors also demanded a second investigation into the murders of journalists, including Elmar Huseynov, Rafig Tagiyev and Rasim Aliyev.
In addition, ASIT expressed concern about recent attacks on prominent investigative journalist Mehman Huseynov. He became the object of harsh criticism from high-ranking representatives of the ruling party «Yeni Azerbaijan» because of an interview with MP Vahid Akhmedov, who criticized the activities of his colleagues.
