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The international human rights organization “Reporters Without Borders” came up with a statement condemning the abduction and interrogation of Turkhan Karimov, a “Radio Azadliq” correspondent, in Baku on November 28. The statement is posted on the organization website.

“Karimov’s abduction by the very people who are supposed to ensure respect for public order is deeply shocking. This act of intimidation is all the more disturbing because it is becoming a routine procedure by the police, who are using illegal methods to put pressure on government critics. We reiterate our deep concern about the safety of Azerbaijan’s few remaining independent journalists,” Johann Bihr, the head of the Reporters Without Borders Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk, said.

The statement notes that Karimov is a reporter for Radio Azadliq, which is Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Azerbaijani service. He is also an active blogger who provides satirical coverage of political developments on his Facebook page.

The journalist later reported that he had been taken to one of the Narimanov district offices of Baku police. He told about being questioned about his work at the radio station. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan press service withheld from commenting on the detention of the journalist. He was released being recommended not to criticize the government, the article states.

The article also notes that in recent months the Azerbaijani authorities have been exerting unprecedented pressure on the independent journalists, bloggers and NGOs who support the media. 13 journalists and bloggers have been arrested.

Azerbaijan holds the 160th place out of 180 in the Press Freedom Index 2014, the article states.