MUSHFIG HUSEYNOV IS NOT GIVEN NEWSPAPERS

Imprisoned “Bizim Yol” newspaper correspondent Mushfig Huseynov was visited by his relatives in prison #2. Journalist’s relative Javidan Huseynov told this to the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety.

According to J.Huseynov, M.Huseynov did not complain about prison conditions. “Due to health problems, Mushfig continues to receive treatment in the medical facility of the prison,” said J.Huseynov. “He is unhappy about not receiving newspapers. For the last three weeks he has not been given “Bizim Yol”, “Ekho”, and “Zerkalo” newspapers. Prison employees told him that the Penitentiary Services do not give permission to deliver the newspapers.”
J.Huseynov emphasized that M.Huseynov wants to meet with Azerbaijan Committee against Torture Chairman Elchin Behbudov regarding this issue.

Justice Ministry Penitentiary Services Public Relations Department Head Mehman Sadigov told IRFS that there’s no ban on newspapers on behalf of the Penitentiary Services.

“15 kind newspapers are delivered to prisons everyday,” said M.Sadigov. “If prisoners want to subscribe to a different newspaper, there’s no problem with it either.”
M.Sadigov emphasized that he will investigate this issue and will try to solve problems if there are any.
Mushfig Huseynov was convicted under Article 311.1 (receiving of a bribe) of the Criminal Code and on 21 January 2008 was sentenced by Grave Crimes Court Judge Jamal Ramazanov to 6 years of imprisonment, followed by 2 year ban on his writing activity.  However, this sentence was reduced to 5 years through a decision adopted by Appellate Court Judge Sahibkhan Mirzayev on 4 April 2008.