Yesterday, 23 February, Ayanda Murselaliyeva visited her husband, imprisoned "Azadlig" Newspaper Editor-in-Chief Ganimat Zahid in Prison #17.
Murselaliyeva told this to the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety. Noting that Zahid's health is normal and he has no complaints about prison conditions, Ayanda Mursaliyeva said that G. Zahid is very happy about the news that “Azadlig” Newspaper received that Gerd Becericus Prize. He said that the best way to spend the prize money to help the newspaper become financially independent.
Murselaliyeva also noted that G. Zahid expressed his opinion about the dispute over appointing a special rapportuer for political prisoners in Azerbaijan. He suggested that human rights defenders and members of working group meet with political prisoners before PACE’s spring session to learn their opinions on this matter.
Ganimat Zahid was convicted under articles 127.2.3 (hooliganism with intentional infliction of minor bodily harm) and 221 (hooliganism) of the Criminal Code and imprisoned for four years. The charges against Zahid are widely regarded as spurious.