USA call Azerbaijani authorities to free arrested journalists

US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ms Ann Dears, who visited yesterday, on March 28, the family of the editor-in-chief of the "Azadlyg" newspaper Ganimat Zakhid, called the authorities of Azerbaijan to release all the arrested journalists.

"America calls on Azerbaijan to put an end to pressure on the press and journalists, and to eliminate the atmosphere of fear that exists in the country," Ms Dears stated. "The USA, OSCE and the СЕ (Council of Europe) are supporting the voice of dissidents in Azerbaijan. Should Azerbaijan ignore it, the appeals will become even more persistent."

The Ambassador also said that she would visit Zakhid's family, which found themselves during the days of Novruz holiday in a difficult situation. Ambassador Dears emphasized that profession of journalist is important for the progress of democracy. She expressed her respect to Zakhid's family and presented them with celebratory sweets.

When talking to journalists, Ms Dears declared that now the time has come to hold a joint discussion and search by the authorities, civil society and media of the ways to settle the problems of the press and eliminate the atmosphere of fear that reigns in the country. She ascertained that during the latest two years Azerbaijan witnesses some "regress in the sphere of mass media".

Reacting to a retort of journalists on poor results of this sort of appeals, the Ambassador said that "Azerbaijan is ruled by Azerbaijanis", and the USA can only continue to appeal.