Azerbaijani MIA completes inquiry of threats to journalist Idrak Abbasov

In Azerbaijan, the investigation is over into the pressure on Idrak Abbasov, an employee of the newspaper "Aina-Zerkalo" and the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS), and his family. The materials of the investigation have been sent to the Binagadi District Prosecutor's Office for initiating a criminal case.

The journalist had appealed to President Ilham Aliev asking to ensure his safety because of threats. After that, Ramil Usubov, the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) took the investigation of Abbasov's application under his personal control.

Abbasov said that in recent days the threat to him and his family stopped. Moreover, according to his story, policemen of the 40th Division of the Binagadi District Police Department are regularly asking him whether the threats continue. Also, the police has set up visual surveillance over the house of Abbasov's parents, in order to react promptly in case of threat. However, earlier, immediately after the attack on Abbasov's relatives, employees of the above division did nothing to investigate the incident.

According to the journalist, until no one is punished for the attack on his family, the threat to their security will persist.

"My relatives and I have lived through a severe psychological shock and live in fear. Those who threatened us are still at large," said Abbasov.

The journalist is not familiar with the materials of investigation. "But I was told by the MIA's spokesman that a criminal case must be opened for sure, since the attack on my family has crime attributes," said Abbasov.

According to his story, in the coming days the Binagadi District Prosecutor's Office should decide on the matter.

The press service of the Azerbaijani MIA has confirmed the information about the end of the investigation and transfer of the case to the Prosecutor's Office, but refrained from comments.

At present, the attacked father, mother, and one of the brothers of the journalist have been discharged from hospital, but continue their outpatient treatment at home.

Local and international human rights organizations believe that the pressure on the Abbasovs was associated with Idrak Abbasov's professional activities.

The office of the public society "Kura" has treated the destruction of Abbasov's house as "vandalism,"

The international organization in defence of the press "Reporters Without Borders" has also resolutely condemned the violence against the members of the journalist's family.