Jailed journalist Javid Shiraliyev and former prosecutor Rufat Safarov have started hunger strike, Safarov’s mother Tahira Tahirgizi reported. » » » »

The Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS) condemns the authorities of Azerbaijan for yet another politically motivated court verdict against Azadliq newspaper’s regional correspondent Elchin Ismayilli, and demands his immediate release. » » » »

Baku City Local Revenues Department of the Ministry of Taxes has restored the tax sanction against Turan Information Agency for the period of 2014-2016.
On 18 September, Turan Information Agency received three emails dated 15 September from the Ministry of Taxes. The emails read that the Agency owes 27,253 AZN in unpaid taxes and 9,294 AZN in arrears. » » » »

While this week’s release of Azadliq newspaper executive director Faig Amirli, Turan information agency director Mehman Aliyev and blogger Alexander Lapshin from their places of detention should be taken as a step in the right direction, it is only the first step. The Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Security (IRFS) calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately free all other journalists and government critics remaining behind bars. » » » »

Baku Court of Appeal, chaired by Judge Vagif Mursagulov, considered Azadliq newspaper distribution director Faig Amirli’s appeal. Lawyers Agil Layijov and Fakhraddin Mammadov solicited for Amirli’s acquittal. The public prosecutor requested that Sabail district court’s original decision be upheld. Upon return from the deliberation room, the jury announced the decision to conditionally release Amirli. » » » »