11:15, 3 December 2007

Correspondent of Radio Liberty arrested in Azerbaijan

Ilgar Nasibov, a regional correspondent of Radio Liberty, was arrested today in the city of Nakhichevan (Azerbaijan).

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told at the Radio's office in Baku that I. Nasibov was arrested on the basis of the special order of passing judgements on the complaint of Sabukhi Navruzov, chief of the city's police.

In his suit, the policeman has accused the journalist of insulting his honour and dignity and demanded "to bring the reporter to responsibility."

In the opinion of journalist's colleagues and relatives, the claimant has failed to present any evidences that he was insulted or slandered. The case is based on mere allegations. In particular, the policeman asserts that the journalist has disseminated false information on his behalf, however, as Nasibov's relatives assert, there are neither proofs nor evidences of the alleged offence. The relatives were not informed about I. Nasibov's current custody place.

Author: Zaur Rasulzade, CK correspondent