ECtHR starts communicating with Azerbaijan's authorities on case of journalist Uzeir Jafarov

The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has started communicating with the government of Azerbaijan on the case of attack on Uzeir Jafarov, the leader of the public association "Military Journalists". The journalist demands to recognize a violation of his rights and to pay compensation for inflicted damage and legal costs.

At night on April 21, 2007, Uzeir Jafarov, who was then the editor of the newspaper "Gyundelik Azerbaijan" (Daily Azerbaijan), was beaten. Uzeir Jafarov claims that he identified attackers as law enforcers; however, none of them had been brought to justice; and the case was closed.

Uzeir Jafarov believes that he was attacked in connection with his professional activities. This was explained to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent by the journalist himself. Uzeir Jafarov said that in 2007, when he was attacked, the newspaper "Gyundelik Azerbaijan" was subjected to severe pressure from the authorities.

After the case was closed, the journalist complained to the courts of Azerbaijan about inaction of the police. However, the claims were not granted; and, therefore, Uzeir Jafarov has filed a complaint to the ECtHR.

The Strasbourg Court has provided the government of Azerbaijan with the time to answer the questions raised till October 16. The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told about it by Khalid Agaliev, the coordinator of the programmes of the Media Rights Institute (MRI), who represents the interests of Uzeir Jafarov at the ECtHR.