Rights Activist Severely Beaten!
A prominent Azerbaijan journalist Ilgar Nasinov was brutally beaten by unidentified men in Naxcivan city.
According to media reports, the journalit was found
unconscious. Mr. Nasinov suffered severe head trauma, a broken nose, and serious blood loss.
Nasinov was attacked while he was in the office of the Democracy and NGO Development Resource Center in Naxcivan city.
Nasibov’s wife is also a well-known correspondent for RFE/RL. The couple have been harassed, beaten and detained due to their advocacy for freedom of expression and human rights work in Azerbaijan.
The well-known journalist is still in hospital and in grave condition.
US Condemns Beating Of Azerbaijani Journalist Ilgar Nasibov
As a strong advocate of human rights and freedom of expression, the United States of America today expressed strong condemnation of the beating of rights activist and journalist Ilgar Nasinov.
In a press statement in Washington DC, US Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said Mr. Nasibov has been a well-respected civil society activist and human rights defender for more than ten years.
“We understand that in this case the police responded immediately, and the prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation.” – Ms. Psaki
The US supports a swift, full, and transparent investigation and prompt disclosure of whether criminal charges will be brought against the perpetrators.
The US also called for those responsible be brought to justice, and also called on the Azerbaijani government to take immediate steps to protect fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.
Crackdowns by Azerbaijani authorities on rights activists are not something new in the country. In fact, four of the leading activists in the country have been harrassed, jailed and charged with serious crimes in recent weeks.
