IRFS, Baku, 07 Jan 2008 – Today, 7 December, “Yeni Musavat” newspaper correspondent Afgan Mukhtarli faced pressure when police dispersed an action held by a group of religious people in front of Israeli Embassy to Azerbaijan to protest against the incidents in Gaza.
A.Mukhtarli told this to the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety. According to the journalist, the action, which was conducted without permission from Baku City Executive Power, was dispersed by the Yasamal District Police Department. Police used force against the media representatives along with other action participants.
“Although I had special vest (distributed to editorial offices by Press Council) on me and my “Yeni Musavat” journalist card on my vest, police distanced me from the area using pressure,” saying this A.Mukhtarli added that his left hand and right leg were injured as a result of police pressure. His photo camera was taken by police, and then was returned to him after it was broken. Mukhtarli appealed to law enforcement organs to have a medical examination. He has already appealed to the Internal Ministry and the Chief Prosecutor’s Office in connection with the incident.
Internal Ministry Public Relations Department employee Ehsan Zahidov told IRFS that the ministry has not received any information regarding the incident yet. “If an appeal has been addressed to us, it will be investigated and applicable measures will be taken,” said Zahidov.
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