12 June 2008, 20:02
Azerbaijan: journalist Guseinov detained and interrogated
Today in Baku, Emin Guseinov, head of the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) of Azerbaijan, was detained by employees of the Special Service of State Security (SSSS) who are in charge of guarding the presidential administration.
The incident happened when Mr Guseinov was watching the protest action held by schoolchildren's parents in front of the building of the President's Office. The parents protested against the results of the graduation test exam in comprehensive schools, on the basis of which their kids will be rejected their secondary education certificates.
"My mission was to monitor the work of the journalists who were covering the event for possible breach of their rights," Emin Guseinov said to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.
Suddenly, a man in civil clothes approached Mr Guseinov and began shouting at him demanding to stop taking photos. Then, presidential guards appeared and brought him into the yard of the presidential administration, where he was interrogated and told that nobody may take photos at the building of the presidential palace. Another person in civil clothes soon appeared and began asking the journalist about the IRFS activities - who funds the Institute, etc. Guseinov demanded to make a protocol of his detention and hold official interrogation, but the guards refused.
Emin Guseinov's detention lasted for two hours, then, he was set free. Now, he wants to stand for punishment of the guard employees who had encroached on his rights as a journalist and citizen.
Author: Faik Medzhid, CK correspondent
