Humiliation of journalists by state officials has become a commonplace occurrence in the past few days. Within only two days (May 7 and 8) one after another two public figures have used abusive and derogatory language against media representatives. As such, on 8 May Maarif Chingizoglu, correspondent Radio Liberty (Azadliq Radiosu), was insulted by Baku mayor Hajibala Abutalibov while performing his professional activities, the journalist himself told the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS) on May 9.
“I was in the area known as Winter Boulevard to film the preparation work conducted there. I wanted to get comments from Baku mayor regarding the renovation work, but got a rude answer instead- ‘go and mind your own business. When I see a journalist, I feel as if I see a dead man in the grave’ said the mayor and went away” says the journalist.
Note that previously, on May 7, another public official Tagi Ahmadov had also insulted journalists.