12:27, 23 November 2007

The USA are concerned about arrests of journalists in Azerbaijan

US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ann Dersy has expressed her serious concern about the situation with the freedom of speech and press in Azerbaijan.

In particular, on November 22, during her meeting with the members of the Board of the Council on the Press of Azerbaijan, the Ambassador mentioned the arrests of the editor-in-chief of the "Real Azerbaijan" newspaper Einullah Fatullaev and editor-in-chief of the "Azadlyg" Ganimat Zakhidov.

Ann Dersy has also noted that she is worried with the rumours that Internet resources will be also put under control in Azerbaijan.

Aflatun Amashov, head of the Azerbaijani Council for the Press, has informed that the organization is also seriously concerned about the arrests of journalists. He said that the Council had already sent an appeal to country leaders asking to release these journalists in the form of exception.

"We are not at all supporters of arresting media workers for their publications and statements. Along with it, we find it inadmissible to humiliate the honour and dignity of people in the press," Mr Amashov said.

Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent