Journalist dies whilst in detention
The Committee to Protect Journalists has called for an independent investigation into the death of Novruzali Mamedov, editor of the now-defunct minority newspaper Talyshi Sado, who had been in state custody since February 2007.
Novruzali Mamedov died from a suspected stroke on Monday in a Baku prison hospital following repeated requests, it has been reported, for medical assistance and transfer. The editor, CPD reports, told his lawyer that the medical care he was receiving in the prison was inadequate and his health was not improving.
‘Earlier this month, the Council of Europe’s representative to Azerbaijan, Veronika Kotek, and Azerbaijani Ombudsman Elmira Suleymanova urged Azeri authorities to transfer Mamedov to a civilian hospital, the Baku-based Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS) reported.’
English PEN Writers in Prison Committee campaigned last year at the passing of the sentence and expressed their concerned for the ten-year sentence passed on 24 June 2008 at a closed trial against Novruzali Mamdeov. Mamedov had been editor of the Talysh minority language newspaper and head of the Talysh Cultural Centre.
‘English PEN is concerned that such a heavy sentence of treason has been passed in a trial that fell foul of international human rights standards, including denial of access to his defence lawyer, leading to concerns that the charges against him may have been fabricated.’
Friends of Azerbaijan are seriously concerned that the Azerbaijan authorities do not appear to be following their word towards improving journalistic freedom in the country. All evidence points to the continued attack on editors and writers through intimidation, trumped up charges and suspicious incidences of beatings to those who voice their opinion, a freedom that should not be denyed anybody.
Committee to Protect Journalists ‘Jailed journalist dies in Azerbaijan prison’
English Pen ‘Azerbaijan: 10-year sentence for editor’
News.am ‘Tolishi Sado daily editor died in Azeeri prison
