Mijatović calls on authorities in Azerbaijan to ensure safety of journalists and free speech advocates

VIENNA, 27 January 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today called on the authorities in Azerbaijan to ensure the safety of Gunay Ismayilova, a media lawyer and deputy chair of the Institute for Reporter’s Freedom and Safety (IRFS), following a recent attack.

On 26 January an unknown assailant attacked Gunay Ismayilova at the entrance of her home in Baku. The assailant left when neighbours arrived at the scene. Ismayilova, who did not receive any serious physical injuries, reported the attack to the police.

“The authorities should conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of this attack and ensure Ismayilova’s safety,” Mijatović said. “Media lawyers are instrumental in protecting and safeguarding members of the media by providing legal support and monitoring cases of infringements of free speech.”

Mijatović again raised concern about the rapidly deteriorating media freedom situation in Azerbaijan in general, including recent raids on Radio Azadliq and the IRFS office in Baku. She reiterated her call for the release of all imprisoned journalists and free speech advocates in Azerbaijan, including Khadija Ismailova, Rasul Jafarov and others.

The Representative’s recent statements on media freedom developments in Azerbaijan are available at //www.osce.org/fom/133046, //www.osce.org/fom/130076, //www.osce.org/fom/126534, 
//www.osce.org/fom/122389 and //www.osce.org/fom/122481.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.