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Alert

ARTICLE 19 expresses concern over growing number of arrests and attacks on media representatives, lack of transparency surrounding police investigations

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 25 July 2006 ARTICLE 19 letter to Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev:

His Excellency the President of Azerbaijan
Ilham Aliyev
Office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
19 Istiqlaliyyat St., Baku AZ1066, Azerbaijan
Fax: +994 12 492 06 25, +994 412 92 28 68
E-mail: office@apparat.gov.az, president@gov.az

25 July 2006

Dear Mr. President,

I am writing to express ARTICLE 19's grave concern in response to:
- the growing number of arrests and violent attacks on media representatives, in Azerbaijan; and
- the lack of transparency surrounding police investigations into these cases, which often remain inconclusive.

The latest case is the one of satirist and poet Sakit Zakhidov (Mirza Sakit), who is a regular contributor to the Azadlig newspaper and some other publications. He was arrested by police on June 23 under the accusation of possessing and selling heroin. Mr. Zakhidov claims and many observers believe the allegations against him are fabricated and politically motivated to punish him for his satirical poems criticising current politicians and the former President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev. Only yesterday, one month after the poet's arrest, Mr. Zakhidov and his lawyer were given access to the prosecution materials. According to them, there is no evidence of Mr. Zakhidov selling drugs, and presumably forged evidence to prove his use of drugs. In addition, they noted numerous procedural mistakes during the arrest and the investigation.

Other cases of potentially politically motivated attacks on journalists, in which police investigations have been opaque and inconclusive, include:

- the abduction and brutal beating of Bakhaddin Khaziyev, editor-in-chief of Bizim Yol, in May 2006;
- the attack on Azadlig reporter Fikret Huseinli who was cut with a knife and beaten after receiving threats related to his articles on corruption and criminal activities involving government officials, in March 2006;
- the murder of government-critical journalist Elmar Huseynov in 2005.

The weakness of the investigative processes related to these cases violates Azerbaijan's international obligations to protect human rights and runs contrary to your country's political and legal commitments to the democratic process. This creates a strong chilling effect on the media which fosters an atmosphere of self-censorship and ultimately undermines the credibility of Azerbaijan's democracy.

We would therefore like to add our voice to the chorus of Azerbaijani human rights organizations and media groups, as well as international organizations, and call on you to:

- Ensure a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the case of Sakit Zakhidov is carried out;
- Guarantee Mr. Sakhidov's right to a fair trial in an independent court;
- Take measures to prevent violent attacks on journalists and, when such crimes occur, to bring the perpetrators to justice;
- Take decisive measures to curb police misconduct;
- Ensure the work of the police and judiciary is protected against any form of political interference.

ARTICLE 19 enjoys a strong relationship with governments all over the world and we would like to take this opportunity to offer our services should you wish to discuss further the measures necessary to ensure the fundamental right to freedom of expression is enjoyed by all people in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Agnès Callamard
Executive Director

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Send appeals calling on authorities to:
- ensure a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the case of Sakit Zakhidov is carried out
- guarantee Sakhidov's right to a fair trial in an independent court
- take measures to prevent violent attacks on journalists and, when such crimes occur, to bring the perpetrators to justice
- take decisive measures to curb police misconduct
- ensure the work of the police and judiciary is protected against any form of political interference

APPEALS TO:

His Excellency the President of Azerbaijan
Ilham Aliyev
Office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
19 Istiqlaliyyat St., Baku AZ1066, Azerbaijan
Fax: +994 12 492 06 25, +994 412 92 28 68
E-mail: office@apparat.gov.az, president@gov.az

Please copy appeals to the source if possible.