19:00, 5 September 2009

Article 19, HRW and IPC call to stop suppressing the freedom of speech in Azerbaijan

The heads of three international organizations – Article 19, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and International Pen Committee (IPC) – have addressed their open letter to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliev, asking him to ensure the supremacy of law at the trial of young bloggers Adnan Gadjizade and Emin Milli, and calling him to stop suppression of the freedom of speech in Azerbaijan.

"We address you with an expression of deep concern of the pre-trial arrest and accusations already expressed against Emin Milli and Adnan Gadjizade," runs the letter to Ilham Aliev signed by representatives of the above three international organizations – Anies Kalamar, Holy Cartner and Karin Clark.

"We remind you about international obligations of Azerbaijan on ensuring the freedom of expression and the rights to fair and open trial. We resolutely call you to take all possible measures and ensure the independence of the Sabail Court, where the trial will be held," runs the letter that has arrived to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent from the HRW.

Author: Faik Medzhid

Source: CK correspondent