Khadija Ismayilova receives a warning from the prison management
Following the publication of Khadija Ismayilova's letter of hope published on Azadliq Radio, Ismayilova received a warning from the prison management. Concerned about the letter they requested a written letter explaining the origin of the letter and how it made it outside the prison. Ismayilova said she was able to send the letter through telepathy.
Not satisfied with Khadija's response, the management gave her a letter of warning requesting her signature. The letter claimed Khadija Ismayilova allegedly made illegal demands from the prison management.
Ismayilova refused to sign the warning.
This information was provided by Khadija Ismayilova's lawyer Fariz Namazli to Azadliq Radio.
Darkness Falls on the ‘Land of Fire’ about arrest of #KhadijaIsmayil #crackdown on #freespeech http://t.co/TU51s9KMOC via @Balkanist
— Arzu Geybulla (@arzugeybulla) 16.12.2014
Reporters Without Borders launches a petition in support of Khadija Ismayilova
"In imprisoning a journalist of such worldwide repute as Khadija Ismayilova, the Baku authorities have give a huge slap in the face to all those who believe in freeom of information and human rights", said Reporters Without Borders secretary general Christophe Deloire. "The government of Ilham Aliyev orchestrated an unprecedented crackdown while Azerbaijan held the chairmanship of the Council of Europe and has now expressed in the clearest possible terms its feeling of complete impunity. It's high time it was proved wrong".
To help free Khadija Ismayilova, Reporters Without Borders launched this petition.
Also today, the organization released its Press Freedom Index Report.
In this year’s report Azebaijan is among “noteworthy falls” dropping to 160 (-3) on the list of 180 countries and described as a country where “media pluralism is in the process of succumbing to the increasingly repressive tendencies of rulers clinging to power”. It is also listed as a country open to copying repressive legislation and communication surveillance methods implemented in Russia.
Azerbaijan also named among “former Soviet republics that most violate freedom of information”, together with countries like Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The report also acknowledges there is little pressure from the international community towards countries like Azerbaijan. “Rich enough to feel untouchable, they are also wooed because of the strategic importance” reads the report.
France Foreign Ministry concerned about Khadija Ismayilova's arrest
The statement issued today, said, "France calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to uphold the commitments made by Azerbaijan as a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe, notably by ensuring respect for the freedom of the press, the independence of the judiciary, the rights of defense and the presumption of innocence.
"France expresses its concern following the arrest on December 5 in Baku of investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova for "incitement to suicide".
The statement also mentions President Hollande's meeting with Khadija Ismayilova during his visit to Azerbaijan in May.
"We will continue to closely monitor Ms. Ismayilova's situation".