Azerbaijani rights defenders and journalists treat verdict of guilty to Guseinov as prosecution for criticizing authorities

Mekhman Guseinov, Director of the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS), is sentenced to imprisonment in connection with his activities as a journalist and a blogger. This opinion was voiced by activists of civil society in Azerbaijan.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on March 3, the Surakhani District Court of Baku sentenced Mekhman Guseinov to two years of imprisonment on the charge of defamation.

The Media Rights Institute (MRI) has sharply condemned the verdict of guilty pronounced against Mekhman Guseinov. "(This is) an indicator of the authorities' desire to destroy the remnants of the defeated freedom of expression in Azerbaijan," notes the MRI's statement received by the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent on March 3.

"The verdict refutes the claims that in Azerbaijan, no one is arrested for freedom of expression and that a moratorium is introduced on the use of the articles of 'defamation' and 'insult' of the Criminal Code. The authorities do not even attempt to disguise the violation of fundamental rights and freedoms," notes the MRI's statement.

The Media Right Institute has called on to immediately release Mekhman Guseinov and to ensure the freedom of expression of citizens of Azerbaijan.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.