“Journalist who doesn’t want to be threatened shouldn’t offend citizen’s self-esteem and get on their nerves. In this case the citizen has no choice, but to threaten via phone.” This was said by the Ministry of Interior Press Service Employee Ehsan Zahidov told this to “Radio Liberty”.
The Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic correspondent Hakimeldostu Mehdiyev was beaten during a gathering held by opposition parties to mark 125th birthday of Mammad Amin Rasulzade in front of "Umid" Party's Nakhchivan department. And on 29 January, the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic correspondent Elman Abbasov and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Turan News Agency Nakhchivan correspondent Malahet Nasibova were threatened via telephone by a person who identified himself as Malik Aliyev.
According to Elman Abbasov, he appealed to law enforcement organs, but has not received any responses. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has sent a letter to Minister of Interior Ramil Usubov to secure radio’s Nakhchivan correspondent Malahet Nasibova’s safety. The minitry’s clerk’s office confirmed that they received the letter. Ehsan Zahidov noted that the appeal will be considered.
“Nowhere in the world do 3-4 armed police accompany a correspondent,” said Zahidov. “You get on citizens’ nerves and they make calls. You appealed; it has been considered. Now an investigation is carried out into it.”