Another journalist joins the protest hunger strike in Azerbaijan

The number of journalists who take part in the hunger strike, started on December 8 by Ganimat Zakhidov, arrested editor of the "Azadlyg" newspaper, is growing. Today, Elshad Pashasoy, correspondent of the "Eni Musavat" newspaper, has joined the action.

Azer Akhmedov, director of the "Azadlyg" newspaper, has informed the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that on December 13 Seimur Khaziev, an employee of the "Bizim Yol" newspaper is going to join the hunger strike.

The administration of the Bail Investigation Detention Facility of the Penitentiary Service, where Ganimat Zakhidov is kept, threatens to feed the journalist by force if he continues his protest hunger strike.

This was reported by Elchin Bekhbulatov, Chairman of the Committee against Torture, who met the arrested editor today. He said that the employees of the SIZO have explained their intention by the order from the Ministry.

According to Mr Bekhbutov, G. Zakhid is kept in cell No. 123 together with 8 other prisoners. The journalist has no complaints to the custody conditions and attitude of the employees of the penitentiary establishment, but he protests against the pressure on the media.

Meanwhile, a statement of the General Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan runs that the investigation of G. Zahidov's criminal case was completed on December 11, and the case files were sent to the court.