Domestic

Domestic

Department chief of Azerbaijani Presidential Administration: We condemn the exertion of pressure on Idrak Abbasov during the demolition in Sulutepe

20 April 2012 17:09 (UTC +04:00)

Department chief said the incident is being investigated.
â€œAs far as I know from the statements, he was not beaten because of his profession. An incident occurred during the process of demolition,â€ he said.

Ali Hasanov said it is wrong to assess the incident as pressure on freedom of speech and press.
â€œThis is not pressure on freedom of speech, press in Azerbaijan. This is not the confrontation between media and authorities as described by some media. Freedom of speech, press is the norm of Constitution in Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani government is protecting and will protect it,â€ he said.

Ali Hasanov said the journalists attending such actions must be distinguished from the participants with their clothes, behavior, place they choose.
â€œIt is necessary so that the persons establishing public order, carry out demolition can distinguish them form the participants. The journalists covering such actions must wear special clothes, must not interfere in the process,â€ he said.

Ali Hasanov underlined that the case is being investigated.
â€œIt is being investigated how it happened, who committed it, whether they knew that Idrak Abbasov was a journalist or not. But the statements made by SOCARâ€™s employees yesterday show that those who committed it did not know he was a journalist. They say Idrak Abbasov came there to defend his relatives, whose illegal houses were being demolished. The State Oil Company is carrying out investigation, the results will be made public,â€ he said.