Journalist complains of being pressed by Nakhichevan power agencies

The Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) of Azerbaijan expresses its deep concern of the state of health of Idrak Abbasov, its employee and journalist-researcher, who told about physical and moral pressure on him by power agencies of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic (NAR).

"During his service trip last week to the NAR he was subjected to physical and moral pressure at the local Ministry of National Security (MNS)," runs the IRFS' statement that was sent to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent. After his return to Baku by the weekend, Abbasov was hospitalized with heart problems.

Idrak Abbasov, together with Rashad Aliev, another IRFS employee, went to the NAR for making a report on the state of things with human rights and freedom of press in the region. The journalists held a series of meetings with officials and unofficial persons and ordinary citizens who complained about violations of their rights.

"On February 20, Rashad Aliev was told by phone that we would be received by the NAR's Minister of National Security," Abbasov told by phone to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"Having come to the MNS I began thinking over my questions to the Minister, being pleased with such journalist's luck. However, when I got in, they blindfolded me, roped my arms brought down to the cellar and put on a chair in some room," said the journalist. He was deprived of his photo and video cameras and documents, but untied his eyes.

An unknown man in military uniform entered the room; then, he was delivered a folder of materials concerning Abbasov. "The man showed me my electronic correspondence by the Internet with my foreign colleagues, hinting to 'suspicious ties'. Eventually, he ordered me to leave the NAR and never appear there again," said the journalist. Abbasov was given back his cameras, but all the records were erased.

"This sort of treatment told negatively on my health. I have heart pains," he said. In the evening on Friday, February 20, he returned to Baku, and on Saturday he was hospitalized.