The Institute for Reporters` Freedom and Safety condemns the expulsion of Poligon Information Agency (pia.az) editor and fourth year student of the “Oil Mechanics” faculty at Azerbaijan State Oil Academy Elmin Badalov from the University for his critical articles.
IRFS recalls that a similar incident occurred with “Janub khabarlari” employee, Lankaran State University student Parviz Azimov. He was expelled from the University for writing a critical article regarding negative cases at the LSU. Then Azimov appealed to court and the court issued a decision to consider the decision to expel him unfounded and to restore him to the university.
IRFS notes that the subjection to harassment of Poligon Information Agency editor Elmin Badalov because of his articles contradicts article 47 (everyone has the right to expression and speech) of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan and article 10 (freedom of expression) of the European Convention on the Defense of Human Freedoms and Fundamental Freedoms.
IRFS Poligon Information Agency editor Elmin Badalov declares that he was subjected to pressure for freely expressing his thoughts and calls on ASOA to restore him to the university.
In his appeal to IRFS, E.Badalov noted that he will pass the exams if a fair reexamination is held with the participation of the commission board. IRFS calls on the Ministry of Education to create conditions for E.Badalov’s reexamination so he can prove his claim and for the truth to emerge.