Azerbaijan, Baku /corr. Trend K.Ramazanova / The International Federation of Journalists called upon the Government of Azerbaijan to free detained journalists. Such a statement was made by Aidan White, the General Secretary of the International Federation of Journalists, during the international conference on freedom of expression and press in Azerbaijan on 19 November in Baku.
"We appeal to the authorities that it is time for change. They need to free all journalists, repeal the laws that erode the capacity for pluralism and free speech and end the practice of political and judicial intimidation of the media," he said
Eight journalists have been arrested in Azerbaijan. Mainly they have been charged with insult and slander. Just a few days ago, Ganimat Zahid, the editor-in-chief of opposition newspaper Azadlyg was sentenced to two months in prison with charges of hooliganism.
According to White, the International Federation of Journalists is prepared to support the efforts of the Azerbaijani Government to create a professional and democratic landscape for the media in Azerbaijan.