In Azerbaijan, father of imprisoned journalist receives his son's Amnesty International award

Today, the Baku Centre of Journalism hosted a ceremony of rewarding Einullah Fatullaev, editor-in-chief of newspapers "Real Azerbaijan" and "Gyundelik Azerbaijan", who is now serving his 8.5-year imprisonment, with the annual award of the Amnesty International "For journalism under threat".

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports that Arzu Abdullaeva, head of the National Committee of the Helsinki Civil Assembly, delivered the award to journalist's father - Emin Fatullaev.

He has expressed gratitude to international organizations, foreign diplomats, human rights activists and Einullah's colleagues for their support.

According to his story, "this support is very important and confirms the journalist's correct life choice."

He has also noted the role of the collective of both above newspapers, which is a rightful co-winner of the award.

Advocate Isakhan Ashurov, who is defending the journalist's interests in courts, said about absurdity of the charges against Fatullaev and about soon consideration of his case by the European Court on Human Rights.

An oppositional MP Panakh Gusein said that "Einullah Fatullaev was arrested under personal command of President Ilham Aliev, and persecution of journalists is a targeted policy of the authorities."

Other speakers praised high Fatullaev's personal abilities and features and wished him soon release and return to journalism.

The ceremony was attended by ambassadors of Germany and Norway, representatives from the US and British embassies, political and public figures, human rights activists and journalists.