CPJ urges Azerbaijan to release jailed journalist Amiraslanov
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 24 May 2017 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, CPJ urges Azerbaijan to release jailed journalist Amiraslanov, 24 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59818d9aa.html [accessed 27 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. |
May 24, 2017 20:23 GMT
By RFE/RL
Nicat Amiraslanov (file photo)
The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is urging Azerbaijan to "immediately release" journalist Nicat Amiraslanov, who was sentenced this week to 30 days in prison on charges of resisting police.
In a May 24 statement, CPJ Europe and Central Asia program coordinator Nina Ognianova called on Azerbaijani authorities not to contest Amiraslanov's appeal of the verdict, and to "cease harassing and jailing critical reporters."
Ognianova also called on Azerbaijan to "reverse its record of jailing journalists on trumped-up, retaliatory charges."
Amiraslanov, an independent journalist from the northwestern Qazax district, was detained on May 22. The Qazax district court issued its ruling on May 23.
Amiraslanov's colleagues and friends say his arrest is retaliation by the local authorities for his reporting and Internet posts.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
