Arrested editor-in-chief of "Tolyshi Sado" receives Ashurov Award

In Azerbaijan, Hilal Mamedov, the detained editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Tolyshi Sado", has become the first laureate of the award named after the lawyer Isakhan Ashurov. A Themis statuette was given to Ramiz Mamedov, the inmate's lawyer on March 29.

The awarding ceremony took place in the presence of relatives of the editor-in-chief of the "Tolyshi Sado". Hilal Mamedov had sent a greeting to the participants of the award ceremony from the SIZO (pre-trial prison), not knowing that he would be the laureate.

The award named after the lawyer Isakhan Ashurov was established on June 23, 2013, immediately after his death, by the Azerbaijani Institute of Peace and Democracy (IPD) and is awarded to advocates, lawyers, human rights activists and other persons for revealing courage, honour and dignity in the struggle for the rule of law and human rights.

As noted by Leila Yunus, Director of the IPD, the choice of the winner was not easy, as a number of candidates – lawyers and human rights defenders – were considered. "However, the final choice was made in favour of Hilal Mamedov, as he is now in the most difficult situation," said Ms Yunus.

According to her story, Hilal Mamedov has always been among those who selflessly defend human rights, despite the pressure and threats.