INSTITUTE FOR REPORTERS’ FREEDOM AND SAFETY STATEMENT

The Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS) applauds the fair decision of the European Court of Human Rights regarding the case of Eynulla Fatullayev, Editor-in-chief of Gundelik Azerbaijan and Realniy Azerbaijan Newspapers.

The European Court of Human Rights identified that article 10 (freedom of expression) and 6 (right to fair trial) of the European Convention were breached. Having considered it unacceptable that the applicant still remained imprisoned, the Court held that Azerbaijan had to release Fatullayev immediately. The Court held that Azerbaijan is to pay Mr. Fatullayev 27,822 EUR in compensation.

IRFS believes that the decision of the European Court of Human Rights is fair and proves once again that the decisions of Azerbaijani courts against Fatullayev were politically motivated.

IRFS recalls that although Fatullayev was recognized as a prisoner of conscience by the local and international communities, he has been imprisoned for more than three years now. Another example of the Azerbaijani government’s intolerance is the imprisonment of bloggers Emin Abdullayev (Milli) and Adnan Hajizade, who are also the prisoners of conscience, under politically motivated charges.

IRFS calls on Azerbaijani government to fulfill the decision of the European Court of Human Rights and to immediately free Fatullayev. In light of this decision, IRFS calls on the Azerbaijani government to immediately free Emin Abdullayev (Milli) and Adnan Hajizade.