10:20, 13 February 2020

OSCE calls on to investigate violence against journalists in Baku

Arlem Desir, the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) Representative on Media Freedom, is concerned about the violence against journalists during the crackdown on February 11. He has urged the Azerbaijani authorities to punish those responsible.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that candidates for MPs and their supporting voters went out to a protest action at the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan, stating falsification of the parliamentary elections. The police dispersed the protesters. About 10 activists turned for medical help. There were journalists among the victims.

The Azerbaijani CEC announced the victory of the ruling "Eni Azerbaijan" (New Azerbaijan) Party at the parliamentary elections held on February 9. The elections passed in an atmosphere of "mass falsifications and flagrant lawlessness," the National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF) of Azerbaijan has stated in its turn.

On February 11, at least eight journalists who collaborate with the Azerbaijani services of the Voice of America and Radio Liberty, as well as the "Meydan TV", were treated violently, detained or attacked by policemen during the dispersal of the protest rally, the OSCE has noted.

Mr Desir pointed to the beating of Mustafa Gadjibeili, the editor of the online edition "Bastainfo.com", and of the female journalists Ainur Elgyunesh and Sevindj Vagifgyzy.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on February 12, 2020 at 10:59 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

Author: Faik Medjid

Source: CK correspondent