Domestic

Domestic

Azadlig bloc holds roundtable on editor-in-chief Ganimat Zahidâ€™s arrest

14 November 2007 16:56 (UTC +04:00)

Azadlig bloc held roundtable on the arrest of editor-in-chief of Azadlig newspaper Ganimat Zahid, APA reports. Heads of political parties, rights defenders, lawyers and representatives of NGOs participated in the event.
Ganimat Zahidâ€™s lawyer Elchin Sadikhov briefed the latest information to the attendees. Chairman of Musavat Party Isa Gambar underlined that persons defending democracy and especially intellectuals should be activated. Chief of the Defense Committee for Freedom of Speech Arzu Abdullayeva gave information about the activities carried out for the protection of Ganimat Zahidâ€™s rights.
Chief of National Unity Movement Lala Shovkat said the opposition always gives similar proposals and considered it necessary to choose another tactics. She said that the international organizations behave strangely in Azerbaijan and do not react seriously to illegalities.
â€œIt is impossible to achieve something without the international support,â€ she said.
Lala Shovkat noted that there is a need for the oppositionâ€™s unity, not for the sake of unity, but basing on principles.
Lawyer Adil Ismayilov said that there was article in the law envisaging release of imprisoned person on bail and proposed to act due to this article. AZN 11 thousand is needed for releasing Ganimat Zahid on bail.
â€œLetâ€™s collect money in this event and appeal to court regarding bail,â€ he said.
Event participants supported Ismayilovâ€™s proposal. Chairman of Citizen and Development Party Ali Aliyev proposed to hold rallies.
APFP chairman Ali Karimli stated that there is need for the restoration of these actions. Statement was adopted at the end of the meeting. Abdullayeva told the APA they will collect money for bail as from tomorrow. She underlined that either she or chair of Democratic League of Journalists Yadigar Mammadli will carry out this mission. /APA/