OSCE Office in Baku condemns violent attack on journalist

BAKU, 19 May 2006 - The Head of OSCE Office in Baku today condemned a brutal attack on Bahaddin Khaziyev, the Editor-in-Chief of the opposition Bizim Yol (Our Path) newspaper and the Deputy Chairman of Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan.

According to news reports, a group of attackers kidnapped Mr. Khaziyev on his way home late Thursday. They tied his hands up and beat him severely before leaving him on the bank of a lake in a Baku suburb. The attackers allegedly drove over Khaziyev's legs while leaving the area. Mr. Khaziyev was found early today by residents of the Masazir settlement.

Mr. Khaziyev is now in serious condition at a hospital in Baku. He suffered numerous leg fractures and severe bruising.

"Despite declarations by the Government about ensuring media freedom and independence in Azerbaijan, journalists continue to face violence and harassment," said Ambassador Maurizio Pavesi, Head of the OSCE Office in Baku.

"This particular case is even more serious because the victim is not only a prominent journalist, but also a well-known member of one of the leading opposition political parties in the country."

Underlining the Office's concern over the lack of any tangible results from investigations into similar cases, Ambassador Pavesi added: "We urge the responsible authorities to launch a prompt, transparent and thorough investigation into this incident and to hold accountable those responsible for the attack."

The Office will closely follow the investigation into Mr. Khaziyev's case.