Media News - Wednesday, July 23, 2008

National Press Day in Azerbaijan brings little cause for celebration

Tuesday was National Press Day in Azerbaijan, but independent journalists in the South Caucasus country have little reason to celebrate. Three of their own remain in prison. Eynulla Fatullayev, editor of the newspaper "Realny Azerbaijan," is serving an 8.5-year sentence on charges related to terrorism, inciting ethnic hatred, and tax evasion. Qanimat Zahid, editor of the opposition "Azadliq" newspaper, is serving a four-year sentence on hooliganism charges. Mirza Sakit, a satire writer and poet who also worked for "Azadliq," is serving a three-year sentence on drugs charges. The three journalists are regarded in the West as political prisoners. The charges against them are widely believed to have been fabricated. International and local watchdog groups, nongovernmental organizations, and political parties have applied to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, requesting pardons for the three, to no avail. But six other journalists imprisoned in Azerbaijan have been pardoned in the past six months or so. Meanwhile, Aliyev is expected to soon sign a decree offering print media outlets in the country $2 million in financial assistance, including low-interest loans. Some editors, including Azer Ahmedov, deputy editor of "Azadliq," believe the money is a way for Aliyev to buy the favor of the country's print media on the eve of the elections. The program is also aimed at making Azerbaijani journalists dependant on state money, he added. (Radio Free Europe)

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