International Press Committee asked Mogherini to raise issue of freedom of press in Baku

Joel Simon, the Head of the International Press Committee, in a letter sent to the EU Vice-President, representative of the Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, asked to raise  the issue of press freedom in Baku.

As reports “Armenpress” citing “Turan” news agency, in the letter Simon expressed concern over the grave situation of free press in Azerbaijan.

“I remind you of the dire situation of the press in Azerbaijan, please make this issue of primary importance in your negotiations”, wrote Simon.

Then he reminded of the facts of arrests, harassment and intimidation of the media and journalists in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan banned the BBC, “Liberty” radio stations’ broadcasting in local frequencies.

The activity of a number of local Media outlets, such as Obyektiv TV, Mediaforum and others, was stopped.

In December 2014, the office of the Meydan TV in Baku was closed because of the security threats to journalists.

Several journalists were arrested for false charges.

Currently, at least 8 journalists in Azerbaijan, including “Liberty” radio station employee Khadija Ismayilova are in prison.

Despite the lack of evidence and numerous procedural violations, the courts have refused to meet cassation complaints of the reporters.

Last December, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Tyurbern Jagland said that his department has launched a formal investigation in Azerbaijan in terms of violations of fundamental human rights.

“We highly appreciate your statement over your commitment to press freedom dedicated to the International Press Freedom Day and we call on to use this opportunity to stand up for our colleagues detained in Azerbaijan.

On Monday, at the meetings with the Azerbaijani leadership, urge the authorities to create a atmosphere of tolerance, highlight the importance of press freedom and that the EU cooperation with Azerbaijan assumes the assurance of the fundamental right of the freedom of expression of citizens.

A significant step can be the immediate release of the 8 journalists”, reads the letter.