The representative of OSCE for freedom of mass media called for the authorities of Azerbaijan to investigate facts of using violence against journalists

Dunia Miatovich, representative of OSCE for the affairs of freedom of mass media, expressed concern about the policemen’s using violence against journalists during an action of protest in Baku. She called for the authorities of Azerbaijan to investigate these facts and prevent their repetition in the future.

Over 40 participants of the action of protest against non-battle losses in the army were detained and 25 of them were sentenced to administrative fines. The police put obstacles in the journalists’ work, violence was used against some of them.

“I condemn any acts of violence against representatives of mass media and estimate them as strong obstacles in the way of pluralism and freedom of press. I call for the authorities of Azerbaijan to investigate the incident and take measures to prevent such incidents in the future”, Miatovich’s statement issued in the evening of January, 15, runs.

The author of the statement specially emphasizes violence against Emin Guseinov, Head of the Institute of Freedom and Safety of Reporters (IFSR) whom a policeman pushed down during the demonstration.

“A am especially concerned about the fact that the journalists underwent severe treatment in spite of wearing special waistcoats allowing to recognize them as pressmen”, Miatovich says in her statement and a special message to heads of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior Affairs of Azerbaijan.

“A policeman roughly demanded that I should stop video filming the action. I started explaining that I had a right to do my work. However, he violently pushed me down. I hit my nape against a stone”, Emin Guseinov said to the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent.

“I will demand punishment for the policeman who put obstacles in my work, starting criminal proceedings against him, examination of the state of my health and compensation of material and moral damage”, Guseinov said.