17 September 2013, 23:14
Journalist Parviz Gashimli detained in Azerbaijan
Today, Parviz Gashimli, an employee of the independent newspaper "Bizim Yol" (Our Way) and the director of the website moderator.az, was detained in Azerbaijan on suspicion of contraband and illegal possession of firearms. The journalist denies any wrongdoing.
The journalist's private house, the office of the website and the editorial office of the newspaper were searched. Agents of the Ministry of National Security (MNS) assert that they found a pistol in the house of the journalist, Gashimli's cousin Arshad Ibragimov told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent. However, according to Ibragimov, the pistol was planted into the house by the searchers.
Emin Guseinov, Director of the Institute of Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) has found it difficult to comment on a possible motive for detention of the journalist.
"We still lack the precise information," Guseinov told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.
The moderator.az is a news website, highlighting the actions of both the government and the opposition. Along with his journalism Parviz Gashimli is engaged in social activities; in particular, he is the head of the public association "Protection Centre of Citizens' Political and Civil Rights".
Author: Faik Medzhid Source: CK correspondent
