Azerbaijan: U.S. urges probe into harassment of RFE/RL journalist
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 29 August 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Azerbaijan: U.S. urges probe into harassment of RFE/RL journalist, 29 August 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/525e3eea10.html [accessed 25 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 29, 2013
By RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service
Khadija Ismayilova
BAKU – The U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan has criticized what it calls "disgusting personal attacks" against Khadija Ismayilova, an RFE/RL investigative journalist and talk-show host in Baku.
In a statement, the embassy urged Azerbaijan's government to complete "a legitimate investigation" into the intimidation, blackmail, and harassment of Ismayilova.
It said the "ongoing, targeted harassment" of Ismayilova was "appalling and must stop."
It also said a legitimate investigation would demonstrate "Azerbaijan is concerned about reporters' rights and safety, upholding the rule of law, and promoting an ethical and robust media environment" during the 2013 presidential election campaign.
Ismayilova has been the target of a personal smear campaign by pro-government media and websites in Azerbaijan since March 2012, shortly after her investigative reports exposed high-level government corruption in Baku.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
