Azerbaijani journalist Einullah Fatullaev to receive UNESCO World Award

The Azerbaijani journalist and human rights defender Einullah Fatullaev is a laureate won the 2012 World Award of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano for his contribution into the cause of the freedom of the press.

The decision was made by Irina Bokova, Director General of the UNESCO, on the recommendation of the international jury consisting of professional journalists from around the world.

"Throughout his career, he has consistently and strongly advocated the freedom of the press and the freedom of speech," says the press release of the UNESCO, posted on the website of the organization.

"I am very pleased and proud to be decorated with this prestigious award of the organization, which is part of the United Nations. Frankly speaking, it was a complete surprise for me. At the same time, the fact of this prestigious Guillermo Cano international award is further strengthening my responsibility as a journalist and human rights defender," Mr Fatullaev said in his interview to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to his story, the Azerbaijani problems with the freedoms of speech and expression and with human rights as a whole have not diminished but aggravated. "Currently in Azerbaijan being an independent journalist and human rights activist is a risk by itself," said Fatullaev.

He has emphasized that he will continue making every effort to protect the freedom of the press and journalists from the pressure, using the authority of the Guillermo Cano Award Laureate.

The World Award of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano for contribution to the freedom of the press in the amount of 25,000 US dollars will be delivered on May 3 on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, the website named "UN News Centre" reports.