The Association for International Broadcasting has expressed its condemnation of the seven and a half year jail sentence imposed on Azerbaijani journalist Khadija Ismayilova.
“The sentence marks a new low in Azerbaijan’s treatment of the country’s journalists and civil society,” commented Simon Spanswick, chief executive of the Association for International Broadcasting. “The AIB has observed continuing harassment of those who attempt to provide Azerbaijan citizens with unbiased information. Broadcasters such as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty – for whom Khadija worked – have had their offices in Baku closed. Unsubstantiated charges have been brought against RFE/RL and its staff, and against other journalists working in Azerbaijan. The AIB believes that Khadija’s sentencing is entirely politically motivated and we call on the country’s authorities to quash the sentence.”
Azerbaijan is, according to a number of international non-governmental organisations, one of the worst countries in the world in terms of press freedom and free expression. There have been repeated cases involving the jailing of journalists and members of civil society organisations.
The state’s case against Khadija Ismayilova centred on tax evasion, illegal business and embezzlement. No substantive evidence was produced during the trial, illustrating the flimsy nature of the prosecution.
AIB will be taking up the issue with the Azerbaijan authorities.