OSCE media freedom representative Désir condemns jailing of investigative journalist Afgan Mukhtarli in Azerbaijan

VIENNA, 12 January 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today condemned the sentencing of journalist Afgan Mukhtarli to six years in prison by the Balakan District Court in Azerbaijan.

“The sentence, based on spurious charges against the investigative journalist, is a clear attack on free media. Silencing independent journalists can never be accepted. I hope that this verdict will be overturned on appeal,” said Désir, who previously called on the authorities to drop all charges against Mukhtarli and respect his right to freedom of expression.

Mukhtarli was convicted of "smuggling", "illegal crossing of the border" and "resistance to an official representative".

Mukhtarli was reportedly abducted in Tbilisi in May 2017. Désir recalled that the investigation by Georgian authorities has still not been completed.

Previous interventions by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media regarding Afgan Mukhtarli can be found here: www.osce.org/fom/363206 and www.osce.org/fom/347741

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He 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.