18:37, 1 August 2007

Health of journalist-hunger-striker gets worse in Azerbaijan

Faramaz Allakhverdiev, journalist of the "Nota Bene" newspaper, convicted to 2.5 years of imprisonment for slander, is on his 12th day of hunger strike, and his health condition has worsened. To save the hunger-striker, human rights activists, the Ombudsman and international organizations should promptly interfere. This information was reported to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent by Emin Guseinov, head of the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety.

He has noted that Mr Allakhverdiev, who is now serving his verdict, is not allowed to read oppositional and independent press, and also to write his articles. He demands a retrial of his case and asks to let him meet Israeli diplomats and international human rights activists.

Emin Guseinov also said that, despite his multiple applications, the Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan would not let him see Faramaz Allakhverdiev. Therefore, he now threatens to sue the Penitentiary Department of this Ministry.

Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent