Since June 15 a ban has been imposed on the sale of “Bizim Yol”, “Azadlig” and “Yeni Musavat” newspapers. The Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety was told this by Assistance for the Defense of Democracy Public Union Head Vidadi Isgandarov.
According to V. Isgandarov, this ban was imposed by Goychay region Police Department Chief Vugar Mammadyarov. “For several days already articles have been published about Goychay region Police Department Chief Vugar Mammadyarov in the press and especially in the newspapers in question,” said Isgandarov.
The reports were confirmed by “Yeni Musavat” Newspaper Head Director Alasgar Suleymanov, “Bizim Yol” newspaper employee Nemet Huseynli and “Azadlig” newspaper Head Director Azer Ahmedov. They said the unofficial ban on the newspapers’ sale is connected to the articles printed in the newspapers about an action conducted in Baku city by the relatives of arrested businessman Chingiz Mayilov from Goychay.
The reports were confirmed by “Yeni Musavat” Newspaper Head Director Alasgar Suleymanov, “Bizim Yol” newspaper employee Nemet Huseynli and “Azadlig” newspaper Head Director Azer Ahmedov. They said the unofficial ban on the newspapers’ sale is connected to the articles printed in the newspapers about an action conducted in Baku city by the relatives of arrested businessman Chingiz Mayilov from Goychay.
IRFS attempted to contact Goychay region Police Department Chief Vugar Mammadyarov, but on-the-duty officer at the department named Shahmali Mustafayev told IRFS that the reports are not true and the police do not have such authority.
“Azermetbuatyayim” firm, which is engaged in the newspaper sale, also refuted reports about the ban on newspapers’ sale.