Azerbaijan: colleagues of beaten journalist worry about possible provocations

Natik Gyulahmedoglu (Adilov), a journalist of the oppositional newspaper "Azadlyg" (Freedom), who was attacked today in Baku, was sent to forensic medical examination. His colleagues are afraid of possible provocations against him.

The victim told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that he was attacked in the settlement named "20th Section" in the suburb of Baku.

"It happened at about 2:30 p.m. I stood at a bus stop wanting to go to the trial on the case of journalist Einullah Fatullaev. It was very hot (today in the afternoon, it was +38 degrees Centigrade in Baku, - comment of the "Caucasian Knot"). I felt bad and leaned against a tree. At that moment I was attacked by the owner of a nearby shop who accused me of damaging the tree. I explained to him that I like nature not less than him. However, he wouldn't listen, took a stick and began beating my face and body with it," said Mr Gyulahmedoglu.

Then, the journalist called police by means of on duty service "102". However, in spite of the fact that he was the complainant, he was put into a patrol car and brought to the 8th station of the Sabail District Interior Division.

The person, of whom Gyulahmedoglu had complained, also came to the station. He was the shop owner Yalchyn Azizov. He told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that Gyulahmedoglu "tore leaves from the tree and broke branches."

After Gyulahmedoglu and Azizov left the station, the person on duty said that both of them "wrote their explanations" and refused from further comments.

At about 6:00 the forensic medical examination of the Sabail District confirmed "traces of physical injuries" in Gyulahmedoglu's face.

He said that he saw no links between the attack on him and his professional work. Also, in his opinion, the incident had no political context.

In spite of the fact that Natik Gyulahmedoglu sees no political grounds in the attack, his colleagues worry that the incident can be used against the journalist.

Ganimat Zakhid, editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Azadlyg", is concerned of possible provocations against his employee, pointing to this sort of precedents in Azerbaijan.

Mr Gyulahmedoglu is known for his critical publications about the authorities of Azerbaijan.