Journalist Fatullayev in Azerbaijan is starting a hunger strike

Einulla Fatullayev, a journalist serving in a penitentiary is starting an open-ended hunger strike on October, 19, demanding execution of the decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on his immediate release by the authorities of Azerbaijan. 

This decision was taken by the Big Chamber of the European Court confirming the previous decision of this instance of ECHR and in this way declining the appeal of the Government of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani authorities have not yet produced any comment on this decision of the Big Chamber of the Court in Strasbourg.

Fatullayev's situation was discussed on October, 18, at a meeting of the Committee for Freedom of Speech created by journalists, human rights activists and other active persons of civil society.

A reporter of "Caucasian Knot" informs that the participants have been unanimous about the necessity of execution of the decision of ECHR on releasing the journalist from prison. "After declining the appeal of Azerbaijani Government and maintenance the decision of the Big Chamber of Strasbourg Court in force the journalist's imprisonment is illegitimate", Rashid Ghajili, Director of the Institute of Media Rights, said.

Journalist Shahvalad Chobanoglu after reporting Fatullayev's intention to start an open-ended hunger strike called for his colleagues to organize solidarity actions.

Mehman Aliev, Director of informational agency Turan, suggested to start collection of signatures for public support of the decision of the European Court and a call for the authorities to release Fatullayev.

Eldar Namazov, Head of Public Forum "For the Sake of Azerbaijan", called Fatullayev's arrest a "political order". He thinks the executors of this order have violated the law and must be punished. In his opinion, a list of all the personnel of law enforcement bodies who have fabricated the criminal cases against Fatullayev and also judges who "have given unfair and illegal judgments" should be drawn up and submitted to international organizations. Besides, Namazov considers that the parliamentary nominees from democratic forces should express solidarity with Fatullayev in their TV speeches.

Zardusht Alizade, political scientist, suggests the activists to go to the investigative isolation ward of Baku to see Fatullayev and if they are refused this meeting turn the visit into an action of solidarity with the journalist.

Arzu Abdullayeva, Chairman of Azerbaijan National Committee of Helsinki Civil Assembly, offered to organize meetings with representatives of CE and OSCE to promote their assistance in solving the problem of Fatullayev's release.

The Committee has decided to start collection of signatures for Fatullayev's release and arrange a number of actions with the same demand.