RISE YOUR VOICE IN DEFENSE OF THE FIRST AND THE LAST INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER IN AZERBAIJAN – AZADLIQ
To: Cabinet of Ministers of European Union
Committee of Ministers of Council of Europe
Foreign Ministry of UK
Foreign Ministry of France
Foreign Ministry of Germany
To: US Senators:
Sam Brownback, Helsinki Commission,
Dan Burton – House Foreign Relations
Benjamin L. Cardin, Helsinki Commission
Sheldon Whitehouse, Helsinki Commission
Tom Udall, Helsinki Commission
Jeanne Shaheen, Helsinki Commission
Richard Blumenthal, Helsinki Commission
Roger F. Wicker, Helsinki Commission
Saxby Chambliss, Helsinki Commission
Marco Rubio, Helsinki Commission
Kelly Ayotte, Helsinki Commission
Dear Sir/Madam
We apply to You in connection with the threat of closure of the first and, unfortunately, the last independent newspapers in Azerbaijan – Azadliq newspaper – that played a crucial role in the struggle for independence and democracy in our country.
A severe oppression on tribunes of independent and alternative idea has been continuing for many years in Azerbaijan. As a result, all of local independent TV and radios and most of print media were either set out of order, or were obliged to work under control of the government.
Today, the Azadlig newspaper is the only newspaper which still continues printing materials for unmasking illegal activities of the present regime, thus playing an important role in mobilization of the society against illegality. However, due to constant oppression, it experiences a serious threat, which may lead to final suppression. Members of the editorship of the newspaper have faced total financial, moral and physical terror. Its editor-in-chief Ganimat Zahid and satirist Mirza Sakit were arrested, two of other contributors – Agil Khalil and Fikrat Huseynli were obliged to leave the country (both of which underwent physical damage – knifed), its correspondent Ramin Deko was beaten, head of department Seymour Hezi was kidnapped and beaten, shadowed several times (which were proved by facts), the newspaper itself was punished by the government through penalties defined by trials of state courts by political order. On Courts decisions government officials required to pay 65,000 Euros from the newspaper for “insulting” publications (which is huge money for the newspaper with small circulation). Controlled by the government, the “Gasid” newspaper distribution company doesn’t pay the money it received from sales of copies of the newspaper. Another government-controlled organization – the “Azerbaijan” Publishing House refuses to print the newspaper due to its debt to the Publishing House. Cyber attacks to the internet site of the newspaper have become a problem for international internet servers. Obviously, attacks on the newspaper and silencing it are one of the priorities of the government.
Being the main value of democracy, representatives of local and international community have to demonstrate solidarity of efforts regarding to the problem. So, we, those Azerbaijani public figures and politicians who sign this Appeal, call the world democratic leaders to contribute to protection of freedom of speech and expression in Azerbaijan. We declare that it is one of the vital matters for establishment and development of democracy both in Azerbaijan and the peace in the region, which would enable Azerbaijan to hold a positive position in the global security system.
On behalf of the Committee for Defense of Azadliq Newspaper:
Ganimat Zahid, Editor in chief of Azadlig newspaper
Rahim Haciyev, Acting editor of Azadliq newspaper
Jamil Hasanli, Presidential candidate from the National Council
Hikmet Hadjy-zadeh, Political analyst
Khadija Ismayilova, Investigative journalist
Leyla Yunus, Director of Institute for Peace and Democracy
Arif Aliyev, Chairman of “New Generation” Journalists Union
Dr.Leila Alieva, President, Center for National and International Studies
Qubad Ibadoglu, President, Economic Research Center
Azer Mehtiyev, Chairman, Center for Support for Economic Initiatives
Ahmed N. Abbasbeyli, “Development Society and Civil Relations” Center
Ilgar Ibrahimoglu, Imam Jamaat, Juma Mosque Community
Nasrulla Nurullayev, Chairman, Care for the elderly intellectuals PU
Fuad Hesenov, Democracy Monitor
Mubariz Tagıyev, “In Defense of Human Rights of Oil Workers”
Intigam Aliyev, Chairman of Legal Education Society
Mahammad Talibli, Chairman, Institute of Economic Analysis (IEA)
Imranova Aytakin, Chairwoman, “Islam, Democracy and Human rights” Center
Letafet Melikova, Chairwoman of Regional Human Rights and Enlightening Center
Razi Nurullayev, President, “REGION” International Analytical Center (RIAC)
Sevil Allahverdiyeva, Director, Center of Women’s Problems Research CWPR
Khalid Kazimov, Chairman of Regional Human Rights and Media Center
Rafig Tamrazov, Chairman Centre of Equal Opportunities
Mehriban Vazir, Director, Center of Political Culture for Azerbaijani Women
Malahat Murshudlu, Head of Independent Teachers Union
Ilgar Huseynli, President, Social Strategic Studies and Analytically Investigations Center
Alovsat Sadigly, Chairman of Education Research Center
Aslan Ismayilov, famous lawyer
Qulu Maharramli, famous journalist
Rasul Jafarov, Chairman of Human Rights Club
Zaur Akbar, Chairman, “Youth Club”
Emin Huseynov, Chairman of Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety
Rashid Hajili, Chairman of Media Rights Institute
Annagi Hajibeyli, Chairman of Azerbaijani Lawyers Association
Mehman Aliyev, Director of “Turan” Information Agency
