03 June 2009, 20:00
AI awards imprisoned Azerbaijani journalist Einullah Fatullaev
The Amnesty International (AI) has awarded its prestigious prize "For journalism under threat" to Einullah Fatullaev, founder and editor-in-chief of newspapers "Real Azerbaijan" and "Gyundelik Azerbaijan" (Azerbaijan Daily), now serving his term in prison.
In the evening on June 2, the British Institute of Cinematography in London hosted the awarding ceremony. Kate Allen, director of the AI British section, handed the award over to John Malholland, editor of the "Observer", who represented Einullah Fatullaev, as reported in the AI's statement that has arrived to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.
"In April 2007, after many years of oppression by Azerbaijani government, including beatings, threats and trials on slander charges, Einullah Fatullaev was arrested and sentenced to two and a half years of imprisonment for slander. In October 2007, he was found guilty under new forged accusations of terrorism, tax evasion and kindling interethnic enmity. Now, he serves his aggregate prison term of eight and a half years," runs the AI's statement.
The Amnesty International calls the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately release Einullah Fatullaev and stop attempting to strangle the freedom of expression.
Author: Faik Medzhid Source: CK correspondent
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