CPJ delegation presses for Fatullayev’s freedom

In Washington today, a delegation from the Committee to Protect Journalists delivered a letter to the Azerbaijan Embassy carrying the names of more than 500 international journalists petitioning for the immediate release of imprisoned editor Eynulla Fatullayev.

In 2009, Amnesty International awarded Eynulla their annual Special Media Award which pays tribute to the courage of journalists around the world who pursue their legitimate journalistic work at great personal risk. The Special Award brings international recognition for such individual journalists and draws attention to the dangers they face.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)  is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1981. They promote press freedom worldwide by defending the rights of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal. Following the meeting today, CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon said: “President Aliyev should demonstrate his government’s tolerance to scrutiny and criticism, and there is no louder or clearer message toward that end than ordering the release of our unjustly imprisoned colleague, Eynulla Fatullayev. No just and democratic society can be built without a vibrant, free press.” Full Report

Resources:
Amnesty International Eynulla Fatullayev Profile
The Guardian Newspaper article by Luke Harding 3rd June 2009