OSCE's media representative alarmed over beating of journalists in Azerbaijan

VIENNA, 17 October 2003 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Freimut Duve, expressed alarm over the beating of journalists by police during post-election protests in Baku yesterday.

"Once again I feel compelled to express my alarm over the severe beating of journalists in your country," Mr Duve said in a letter addressed to Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister, Vilayat Guliyev.

He said news agencies, including the Azerbaijani Turan Agency, reported that at least 25 journalists who were covering violent clashes involving security forces and opposition protesters on Azadliq Square in the centre of Baku were beaten with clubs. Many suffered head injuries, and a number were hospitalized.

Human Rights Watch, whose representatives witnessed the protests, observed the police attacking and severely beating members of the press even after they had identified themselves as journalists.

Freimut Duve also mentioned additional reports of journalists throughout Azerbaijan being prevented from covering the elections, as well as being subject to beatings and insult as they tried to do their job near polling stations.

"As the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, I am deeply concerned about these incidents which reflect very negatively on your country and its election process," Mr Duve added.

Mr Duve noted that he has yet to receive a reply to a letter to Minister Guliyev on 24 September about the beating and detention of journalists in Masaly and Leknoran. "Unfortunately, it appears that not only many journalists suffered because of this unacceptable situation, but also all Azerbaijanis who believe in the democratic process."

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media called for a full investigation of yesterday's and of previous incidents, for prosecution of those responsible for the excessive use of force and for clear measures by the Azeri government to ensure the safety of journalists in the future.