Keeping journalists safe in Azerbaijan

In response to increasing pressure and violence against media workers, IMS and its local partner, the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS) organised a strategic roundtable to promote the safety of journalists in Azerbaijan

By Celia Davies, IRFS in Baku.

“The topic of today’s event is certainly timely. The fatal stabbing of [Azerbaijani journalist] Rafig Tagi last autumn and recent physical attacks on journalists have kept the subject of journalists’ safety at the forefront of all our minds,” said Emin Huseynov, IRFS chairman, in his keynote address.

High time for journalists’ security initiatives

Held on the seventh anniversary of the still-unsolved murder of Azerbaijani journalist Elmar Huseynov, the event was part of IFRS’ work to promote the safety and security of Azerbaijani journalists.

At protests in the northern region of Guba, a journalist was injured by a rock thrown by a protester. To counter such incidents, participants were given special safety jackets to increase their visibility as objective observers at protests such as the one in Guba.

24/7 hotline for journalists

To provide immediate assistance for any media personnel in need of assistance IRFS also runs a hotline, which provides legal advice, assistance on first aid, and transport as necessary, but the hotline is meeting some resistance from the government.

IRFS had originally hoped to obtain a three-digit hotline, but so far the Ministry of Communications and Technologies has refused to accept the application, despite a strong case from IRFS:

“Different excuses have been given to refuse this three-digit hotline number. But IRFS will continue to pursue this matter through the court system,” said Huseynov.

Continued intimidation and impunity

Criticizing the official levels of impunity with regard to assaults against journalists, IREX media lawyer Alasgar Mammadli said:

“According to official statistics, 90-95% of the crimes in Azerbaijan are solved. But only 3-5% of crimes relating to journalists are solved. In addition, the past 7 years have seen more than 300 lawsuits brought against journalists.”

Mammadli added that the Azerbaijani government has previously undertaken obligations on the safety of journalists before international organisations.