OSCE expresses concern with arrest of journalist in Azerbaijan

Miklosh Kharashti, OSCE mass media representative, expressed his concern in relation to arrest in Azerbaijan of Sakit Zakhidov, a satirical journalist.

When talking to a group of Azerbaijan journalists at the OSCE Headquarters in Vienna, Kharashti noted that his office is in contact with the government of Azerbaijan on the topic. "Our stand is that the investigation should be transparent for the authorities and the public," he stated.

Mr. Kharashti expressed his bewilderment of the fact of "a tough freedom restriction" in relation to the journalist who was detained for the first time under a suspicion of keeping drugs.

Meanwhile today human rights activists Murad and Rena Sadaddinovs met Ramil Ususbov, Interior Minister of Azerbaijan. The talk touched on the situation with human rights, in particular, the course of investigation of the kidnapping case of Bakhiddin Khaziev, the editor of the "Bizim Yol" newspaper and arrest of the satirical journalist Sakit Zakhidov. Ramil Usubov partially informed the human rights activists on the course of investigation in relation to Khaziev, stating that the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MoIA) is interested in disclosing of this crime. In respect Sakit Zakhidov the head of the MoIA promised to give an objective consideration to the case.

Remind that Zakhidov was detained on June 23. According to the police, 10 grams of heroin was found with the journalist at detainment. A criminal case was initiated on the fact under Article 234.4.3 of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic (purchase of narcotic drugs in especially great quantities with the aim of sale). He is under a threat of imprisonment for the term of up to 12 years. At the moment, Zakhidov is kept in the trial prison of the Narimanovskiy District.