PPF concerned over detention, torture of award-winning journalist in Azerbaijan
Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), in a letter to President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, expressed concern over the detention and alleged torture of renowned journalist Mehman Huseynovin Baku on January 9.
PPF Secretary General Owais Aslam Ali urged the government of Azerbaijan to thoroughly investigate the case and ensure Huseynov gets justice. The letter also emphasized the need to end the persecution of journalists because of their profession.
According to Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS), Huseynov was picked up on Monday evening and held without access to lawyer or his family until the next day. He was then produced in a Baku court, where the judge ruled that he had disobeyed the police and fined him.
Huseynov said he was severely tortured and beaten during the 19-hours that he was in the custody of the authorities. His body also bears visible marks of physical torture, his lawyer confirmed.
Huseynov is an award-winning journalist, blogger and rights activist and also a member of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange. His investigative work and video reports have regularly exposed high-level corruption and played a pivotal role in highlighting political and social problems in Azerbaijan.
IRFS also expressed concern over the health of Huseynov and demanded that the government revoke the travel ban imposed on him so he can go abroad for medical care.
PPF also urged President Aliyev to revoke the travel ban against Huseynov so that he can go abroad to receive proper medical care.
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