The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in over 120 countries, expresses its disappointment at the Azeri Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the conviction of newspaper editor Eynulla Fatullayev. According to information before IPI, on 3 June 2008, the Azeri Supreme Court upheld the eight and a […]

According to information before IPI, on 3 October, a court in Azerbaijan sentenced Sakit Zahidov, also known as Mirza Sakit, a satirical journalist with the opposition daily Azadlig, to three years in prison on drug possession charges. Human rights organisations said the trial was marred with irregularities. Zahidov, an outspoken critic of President Ilham Aliyev, […]

Based on information provided to the International Press Institute (IPI), there are renewed concerns about press freedom in Azerbaijan. Shahin Agabayli, editor-in-chief of the weekly opposition newspaper Milli Yol, was arrested on 9 August and tried on 10 August on four charges. Agabayli was sentenced to a year in prison for allegedly insulting and blackmailing […]

According to information before IPI, several journalists and other media workers covering the November election campaigns, including the parliamentary elections, have been beaten, arrested, prevented from entering polling stations, and otherwise harassed. The Turan Information Agency reported that the National Television and Radio Council banned foreign news crews from broadcasting live during the elections due […]