As of today (23 June) two years has passed since “Azadlig” Newspaper satiric/journalist Sakit Zahidov was arrested.
On 23 June 2006 narcotics were planted in Sakit’s pocket and he was arrested. He was later convicted on illegal possession of a narcotic, and sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment.
Zahidov’s wife Rena Zahidova told the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety that these two years have been memorable for both their good and bad events. “During these two years I have learned to distinguish the good from bad. I have realized who my friends and enemies are. I witnessed that people who I thought were my friends, were in fact, my enemies. The fact the Sakit is being forgotten affects me badly. All the problems of our five children have remained on my shoulders during these two years. We have already left two years behind. We hope to make it through the one year which is left. My only desire is that his sufferings should be understood, because everyone knows that he is innocent,” she added.