US Assistant Secretary of State: Relations with Azerbaijan jeopardized by crackdown on civil society
US Assistant Secretary of State Tom Malinowski turned to the topic of the arrest of 50 Azerbaijani activists, including Khadija Ismayilova during an interview given to TV programme “Current Time” of the Russian service of “Radio Liberty.” The video of the interview is available on the programme’s website.
“We have been very clear to make the government of Azerbaijan realize that we want to see these people released, including the “Radio Liberty” journalist. Serious discussions are currently being carried out on all the levels. They are aware of our position regarding the matter. They pretty realize that the relationship they used to have with the United States is jeopardized by the crackdown on civil society in that country. Frankly, we don’t understand this,” Malinowski said.
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”.
The arrest of Ismayilova has been followed by a wave of condemning statements by a number of international organizations and influential representatives from various states. Protest actions have been organized in her support in various countries; and prominent international editions released articles covering the topic.
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