Barry Lowenkron, Assistant US State Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, who has visited the grave of known journalist Elmar Mammadyarov, pointed out in his remarks that Elmar Mammadyarov was a man of a principle with great passion for his wok, a dedicated journalist who understood how essential freedom of the media is to democracy, a patriot dedicated to making his country a better place, Trend reports.
Attacks against journalists like Mr. Husseynov are attacks against democracy itself. His brutal murder was an attempt not just to still his voice, but also to intimidate other journalists into self-censorship or silence. His killers must not succeed, said Mr. Lowenkron. Barry Lowenkron reminded that the Azerbaijani Government had stated its commitment to media freedom. He urged the Government to ensure that those responsible for Mr. Husseynov's murder were brought to justice
The Assistant US State Secretary called Mr. Mammadyarov a fearless champion of democracy in Azerbaijan and offered his deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the journalist.