The Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety regrets that the appeal of journalist Elmin Badalov was not fulfilled and evaluates this decision as unfounded.
On 12 November 2009, student/journalist E.Badalov published an article “Reportage from Azerbaijan State Oil Academy” on pia.az website regarding bribe cases and financial frauds in the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy. The student-journalist claimed that he was subjected to pressure at this university because of this article. On 19 January 2010, Elmin Badalov was dismissed from the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy because of failures in his classes. He claimed that he failed because of discrimination against him. He filed a lawsuit against ASOA and ASOA Rector (President) Siyavush Garayev to consider his dismissal from the university unfounded. On 5 April, the Nasimi District Court decided not to fulfill the lawsuit. On 2 July, the Baku Appellate Court upheld the decision of the Nasimi District Court.
IRFS calls the expulsion of and the court's decision against student-journalist Elmin Badalov because of his article harassment. The court's decision contradicts article 47 (everyone has right to freedom of 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 Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
IRFS believes that Elmin Badalov was subjected to pressure for freely expressing his thoughts and calls on higher court to demand an annulment to this decision and to fulfill the journalist’s appeal.