11:26, 16 February 2020

HRHF calls on authorities to investigate violence against journalists in Azerbaijan

Screenshot of the article published on the website of The Human Rights House Foundation https://humanrightshouse.org/statements/hrhf-calls-for-end-to-violence-against-azerbaijan-protestors/

The Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) has demanded from Azerbaijani authorities to allow peaceful meetings in central Baku, and to impartially investigate the excessive use of force by policemen during dispersal of the February 11 action.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on February 11, candidates for MPs and voters who supported them came out for a protest action, stating that the parliamentary elections were falsified. Policemen violently dispersed them. About 10 activists sought medical help; journalists were among them.

The "Reporters Without Borders" (RWB) claimed at least 18 facts when journalists encountered obstacles in their work.

The HRHF calls on Azerbaijani authorities to respect the freedom of assembly and "provide people with an open public space for peaceful expression of their opinions."

Let us remind you that on February 14, the Prosecutor's Office (PO) of Azerbaijan issued a warning to four journalists about their non-compliance with the professional ethics, because of their participation in the oppositional action. In protest, the journalists tore the PO's notification into pieces.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on February 15, 2020 at 11:23 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.