Two Baku Bloggers could face five years for disputed hooliganism charges

Adnan Hadji Zadeh and Emin Milli, two young bloggers and activists were arrested on 8th July 2009 after reporting an incident where they claimed to have been assaulted in a Baku Café. They were then placed in pre-trial detention for two months and have been charged with hooliganism under article 222.1 of the criminal code, whilst the other men were released without further questioning.

Their lawyers, the only people who have had contact with the men since the arrest, state that there is no evidence the two men committed any offence. Furthermore, they believe that the judge’s decision to detain them was illegal. Both Adnan and Emin sustained injuries during the attack and Friends of Azerbaijan are concerned that they have not received the medical care they require.

Adnan and Emin are well known in their country for being outspoken about the lack of freedom of expression in Azerbaijan and are engaged in the growing youth movement which aims to bring an end to the intimidation and harassment currently employed by authorities across Azerbaijan.

‘Reporters Without Borders’ classified Azerbaijan as 150th out of 173 countries in their 2008 press freedom index and has raised an international campaign for this case by releasing a public letter to the Minister of Justice in Baku. An Amnesty International country report from June 2009 states ‘journalists continue to face assault, harassment, intimidation and even imprisonment for exercising their right to freedom of expression’ in Azerbaijan.

British companies enjoy huge oil-related deals, leaving local BP employee to suffer under a repressive regime

One of the bloggers, Adnan Hadji Zadeh, has worked for BP’s public relations team in Baku for several years, causing diplomatic difficulties for the company who have been making enquiries to the Azerbaijan authorities since Sunday. BP is one of the largest foreign investors in Azerbaijan and benefit hugely from the naturally oil-abundant country. The Friends of Azerbaijan believe that BP therefore has a moral obligation to ensure that they assist the development of free speech in the country and represent an open, democratic agenda.

Friends of Azerbaijan request that the authorities of Azerbaijan:

- Allow family members to visit the detainees to check their state of health
- Immediately release Adnan Hadji Zadeh and Emin Milli
- Continue to seek ways to improve freedom of expression in the country by working with National, European and International organisations

For further updates and information of this case, please see our Human Rights Campaign section.