US Embassy reacts to Khadija Ismayil's sentence
"The United States government has expressed its deep concern over the trial and conviction of Khadija Ismayilova both publicly and privately. As President Aliyev recently noted, freedom of the mass media is an integral part of democratic principles, and its violation is contrary to the interests of Azerbaijan. Creating an environment where all fundamental freedoms are respected is a critical component of the bright, prosperous, and stable future we all desire for Azerbaijan. The United States government remains committed to partnering with Azerbaijan to achieve that future and we hope the government will take the necessary steps to realize Azerbaijan’s full potential. Azerbaijan is an important security partner for the United States, including in regional and global energy security, and we must work together as Azerbaijan builds a democratic future that ensures its continued role in that regard."
RFE/RLive: The case, the verdict, and media freedom in Azerbaijan
On September 1, an Azerbaijani court sentenced investigative journalist and RFE/RL contributor Khadija Ismayilova to 7 1/2 years in prison, on charges widely believed to be retribution by Azeri authorities for her reporting on corruption involving the country’s ruling family.
This edition of RFE/RLive will examine the proceedings that led to the verdict and what could happen now. What is being done to support journalists who fall victim to crackdowns by authoritarian governments, and what more can be done to support media freedom and freedom of expression in repressive environments like Azerbaijan?
Many international rights watchdogs unite in calling for #KhadijaIsmayil release #FreeKhadija thank u! https://t.co/cT2XQv3pq7
— Arzu Geybulla (@arzugeybulla) 3.9.2015
#KhadijaIsmayil "you can only silence me by killing me" http://t.co/HNefMAMtB9 #freekhadija
— Arzu Geybulla (@arzugeybulla) 4.9.2015