International community about Azerbaijani journalist Khadija Ismayilova’s arrest
"The arrest of investigative-journalist Khadija Ismayilova by the Azerbaijani authorities last Friday and her conclusion in jail on charges of "incitement to suicide" is a move against the freedom of expression, which is a key factor in any democratic society," reads a statement released yesterday on the official website of the European External Action Service of the European Union.
In the statement, the EU calls on Azerbaijan, which is OSCE and CoE member, to fully meet its international obligations by ensuring freedom of the media. EU warns that it will closely monitor developments in Khadija Ismayilova’s case.
Romanian MEP Monica Macovei, in its turn, sent a letter to President Ilham Aliyev and the Minister of Justice Fikret Mammadov, and demanded to immediately release Ismayilova. The letter has been published on the official website of the MP. In her letter, she also demands to put an end to a campaign of intimidation of the journalist and the ban on her leaving the country, warning that she will undertake steps concerning to Khadija Ismayilova’s liberation.
On December 5, morning, well-known Azerbaijani journalist Khadija Ismayilova was detained after being questioned at the prosecutor's office. Baku Sabail District Court made a decision to detain her for two months. She was charged with incitement to suicide. If the fault of the journalist is proven, then she can be punished by a term of 3 to 7 years in prison. Khadija Ismayilova has become the target of attacks of the government for her journalistic activities. Ismayilova is an author of a number of journalistic investigations of corruption in the highest echelons of power in Azerbaijan. In recent years, she is conducting a talk show in the Azerbaijani Service of “Radio Liberty”.
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