IRFS urges Azeri authorities to release bloggers and journalists

The Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) has welcomed the liberation of Mekhman Aliev, Director of the “Turan” News Agency, and Faig Amirov, Financial Director of the “Azadlyg” newspaper; however, it has called on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately release all the remaining journalists and bloggers imprisoned for criticizing them.

Despite his release, Amirov cannot leave Azerbaijan because of his conditional punishment, although he needs serious treatment abroad, the statement says.

The liberation of Aliev is the result of strong international pressure, especially of the call for sanctions offered by the US Senate, said Emin Guseinov, IRFS’ Executive Director.

The IRFS has called on those in power in Azerbaijan to ensure a full freedom of expression in accordance with the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

The Baku department for local revenue of the Azerbaijani Tax Ministry has cancelled the additional taxes charged on the “Turan” for 2014-2016, said Fuad Agaev, the Agency’s advocate.

The liberation of Lapshin, Aliev and other citizens should be treated as acts of humanism, said Fuad Aleskerov, the assistant to Azerbaijani President for working with law enforcement bodies.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.