OSCE calls on Azerbaijan to find attackers on rights defender Nasibov

Dunja Mijatovic, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, has expressed her concern over the attacks on Ilgar Nasibov, a journalist and a human rights defender, in Nakhichevan. She called on the Azerbaijani authorities to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident.

In the evening of August 21, in Nakhichevan, a group of unidentified persons attacked the office of the Resource Centre for NGO development and democracy. As a result of the incident, Ilgar Nasibov, a staff member of the Centre, was severely beaten, announced Malakhat Nasibova, the wife of Ilgar Nasibov and the Director of the Centre. Ilgar Nasibov is in serious condition, and he has been placed to the resuscitation ward of the hospital. His wife associates the attack with the human rights activities of her husband.

The OSCE has emphasized that the attack took place against the increasing pressure on the media in Azerbaijan. In particular, a bank account of the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) was arrested, its property was confiscated, and its office was sealed.

Dunja Mijatovic has emphasized that "the Azerbaijani authorities are to make all the necessary efforts to put an end to this practice," reports the "Contact.az".