The Chap Evi Printing House is in danger of closing. Chap Evi owner Shahbaz Khuduoglu told this to the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety. According to Khuduoglu, in a staff meeting held on 2 April he announced that work hours for employees were being reduced and salaries were being halved.
According to Khuduoglu, the printing house is facing financial problems because equipment is old and the facility does not have adequate funding. In addition, the printing house cannot repair some equipment because newspapers will not repay their debts.
Khuduoglu also told IRFS that one of the printing house’s biggest customers, Yeni Musavat Newspaper, has decided to refuse from the services of “Chap Evi,” and will be switching to “Azerbayjan” Printing House. “Yeni Musavat” was the last high-circulation newspaper printed at “Chap Evi,” said Khuduoglu, and its departure is a serious financial blow to the company.
At present, “Bizim Yol” Newspaper and several regional newspapers are printed at “Chap Evi.”
“The work of ‘Chap Evi’ and renewal of equipment will cease,” said Khuduoglu. “This will mean the loss of an institution that produces alternative ideas.”
Khuduoglu requested that all international organizations pay attention this matter. He also emphasized that “Chap Evi” is a cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s independent press.
Khuduoglu also told IRFS that one of the printing house’s biggest customers, Yeni Musavat Newspaper, has decided to refuse from the services of “Chap Evi,” and will be switching to “Azerbayjan” Printing House. “Yeni Musavat” was the last high-circulation newspaper printed at “Chap Evi,” said Khuduoglu, and its departure is a serious financial blow to the company.
At present, “Bizim Yol” Newspaper and several regional newspapers are printed at “Chap Evi.”
“The work of ‘Chap Evi’ and renewal of equipment will cease,” said Khuduoglu. “This will mean the loss of an institution that produces alternative ideas.”
Khuduoglu requested that all international organizations pay attention this matter. He also emphasized that “Chap Evi” is a cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s independent press.