EDITORS IN AZERBAIJAN BEATEN OR CONVICTED
By Aghavni Harutyunian
AZG Armenian Daily
24/05/2006
On May 18, 5 unknown people beat Bahadin Ghaziev, editor-in-chief
of Bizim Yol newspaper. On his way home late at night, Ghaziev was
attacked by unknown people who took him to Masazir settlement and beat
him there. As a result, Ghaziev received several serious traumas. The
beaten editor was found in the morning and taken to the hospital.
In general, taking into account the position of his newspaper, the
crime was characterized as violence against free journalists. While,
at present, Ghaziev has already managed to state that notwithstanding
his traumas he didn’t lose consciousness and remembers quite well
that the attackers called someone on their mobile phone and told that
they had carried out the order. This testimony proves that the case
was a political order. According to some of the political figures
of Azerbaijan, this case of violence against Ghaziev aimed to exert
pressure on the independent press of the country.
Perhaps, the same evaluation can be given to the case that
happened with Fail Balabeyli, editor-in-chief of Yeni Kheber
newspaper. According to the law enforcement bodies of Azerbaijan,
Balabeyli was arrested when taking bribe from the chief physician
of Bailovo hospital. Yeni Khaber became popular after publication of
caricatures of Jesus Christ and Holy Mary.
Besides, when the law enforcement bodies were arresting Balabeyli,
the Azeri court was judging Elshad Mehteev, editor-in-chief of New
Press newspaper on charge of corruption.