RWB: in 2013 four journalists stay imprisoned in Azerbaijan

Four journalists from Azerbaijan, namely: Parviz Gashimli, Sardar Alibeili, Hilal Mamedov and Avaz Zeinalov, and four active Internet users, namely: Rashad Ramazanov, Zaur Gurbanly, Araz Guliev and Nidjat Aliev, have been included into the study "Barometer of Media Freedom" conducted by the international organization "Reporters without Borders" (RWB) and dedicated to prosecution of journalists throughout the world in 2013.

According to the RWB, in total, throughout the world, 178 journalists and 166 active Internet users are now in jails.

Parviz Gashimli was detained on September 17 and charged with smuggling and illegal possession of weapons. He faces a sentence of 12 years of imprisonment.

Sardar Alibeili was detained on July 31 in Baku and charged under Article 221.3 (disorderly conduct with use of weapons or objects used as weapons) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan. On November 13, the court sentenced Sardar Alibeili to four years of imprisonment.

Hilal Mamedov was detained on June 21, 2012, in Baku. On September 27, 2013, the court found him guilty in the case of treason, inciting ethnic hatred and drug possession and sentenced him to five years of imprisonment in a high security penal colony.

Avaz Zeinalov was arrested on October 28, 2011, on suspicion of bribe-taking. On March 12, 2013, he was sentenced by the Court on Grave Crimes of Baku, which found the journalist guilty under the charges of tax evasion, non-execution of court judgment, bribery, and extortion.