Miyatovich accuses the Azerbaijani authorities of stifling freedom of expression

He says he is worried about repressions in the country

The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Dunya Mijatovic, expressed deep concern about the “increasing repression” against journalists and activists in Azerbaijan.

Dunya Mijatovic stated this in a statement released on March 25.

He said that arrests and persecutions stifle freedom of expression in Azerbaijan.

The statement draws attention to criminal prosecutions against journalists of “AbzasMedia”, “Kanal 13” and “Toplum TV”.

“I am watching with concern the situation of other persons detained or persecuted in Azerbaijan for their legal activities, including the scientist and well-known civil society figure Gubad Ibadoglu, who suffered from a number of serious diseases while in prison.” – said in Mijatovic’s statement.

He reminds that since 2019, the Azerbaijani authorities have repeatedly drawn attention to the deterioration of the situation regarding freedom of expression and media, as well as the ongoing hostile environment against human rights defenders and civil society activists:

““Unfortunately, the authorities continue to show a clear disregard for their human rights obligations in these areas, thereby aggravating the situation in the country.”

Mijatovic notes that although he called on the authorities to release independent journalist Avaz Zeynalli in February, on the contrary, he was sentenced to 9 years in prison:

“I also called for the release of the well-known civil society activist Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, who was subjected to years of repression and intimidation, including criminal prosecution, threats and physical violence, and who remains behind bars.”

The Commissioner emphasizes that human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers and civil society activists must carry out their legitimate activities in a safe and supportive environment without the risk of repression, harassment or other obstacles.

He called on the Azerbaijani authorities to take decisive steps to ensure full compliance with their human rights obligations.

Dunya Mijatovic particularly noted the need to release all imprisoned journalists and activists, as well as to create a favorable environment for the activities of media representatives, civil society and human rights defenders.

More than 10 journalists have been arrested in Azerbaijan since the end of 2023.

In the “AbzasMedia” case, the site’s director Ulvi Hasanli, deputy director, social activist Mahammad Kekalov, and editor-in-chief Sevinj Vagifqizi were arrested.

After that, investigative journalist Hafiz Babaly, reporters Nargiz Absalamova and Elnara Gasimova were arrested.

Each of them is charged with Article 206.3.2 (smuggling by a group of persons) of the Criminal Code. With this article, they are sentenced to 5 to 8 years of imprisonment.

Journalists associate their arrests with purely professional activities.

On March 6, the police raided the office of “Toplum TV” and searched the office, the homes of several employees of the site, including the office of the Third Republican Platform.

It was reported that 30,000 euros were found in the office of the III Republican Platform, and 2,700, 3,100 and 20,000 euros were found in the homes of the site employees.

Akif Gurbanova, Farid Ismayilova, Mushfiq Jabbara, Ali Zeynala, Ramil Babayeva, Elmir Abbasova and Ilkin Amrahova were charged with 206.3.2 (smuggling).

On March 8, lawyer Alasgar Mammadli, one of the founders of “Toplum TV”, was detained by plain clothes in front of the “Istanbul” Clinic.

On the same day, the police also detained Ruslan Izzatli, a member of the Founding Committee of the Third Republican Platform.

Both houses were searched.

It was claimed that 7300 dollars were found in Alasgar Mammadli’s house.

Ruslan Izzatli’s wife Gunel Manafli noted that “money was found” in their house.

Among those detained in connection with this case are Alasgar Mammadli (founder of Toplum TV), Mushfiq Jabbar (Toplum TV), Akif Gurbanov (III Republican Platform), Ruslan Izzateli (III Republican Platform), Ramil Babayev (Institute of Democratic Initiatives), Ilkin Amrahov (Institute of Democratic Initiatives), Ali Zeynal (Institute of Democratic Initiatives) were charged under Article 206.3.2 of the Criminal Code (smuggling – when committed by a group of persons who conspired in advance).

However, those detained consider the accusation to be false and a political order.