The International Secretariat of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) requests your URGENT intervention in the following situation in Azerbaijan.

Brief description of the situation
The International Secretariat of OMCT has been informed by a reliable source and Antenna International, member organisation of OMCT SOS-Torture network, that Mr. Emin Huseynov, director of the Institute for Reporter Freedom and Safety (IRFS), was subjected to severe beatings during his detention on 14 June 2008 in Baku.

June 14, in the "Alaturka" Cafe, an event organized by the "Che Guvera Fan Club" to mark the 80 birthday of Che Guvera and attended by a representative of the Cuban embassy was raided by police. Out of the approximately 25 people present, 20 were detained by police and taken to Nasimi District Police Department #22. Among those detained were IRFS Chairman Emin Huseynov and IRFS researchers Rasim Aliyev and Mirrehim Hasanov. The three had gone to conduct monitoring of the event.

The Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety remains extremely concerned about "Azadlig" Newspaper correspondent Agil Khalil. Yesterday two important trials related to Agil Khalil and "Azadlig" Newspaper started, and many others will be scheduled in the near future. In light of this, IRFS has prepared a special report on A. Khalil's case. The report includes background information, a timeline regarding Khalil's case, and the history of pressure on "Azadlig" Newspaper. This report can be downloaded here.

The conference of the "UNITED for intercultural action" network was held on October 23-28 in Baku. About 80 persons from
different countries took part. It was co-organized by the non-governmental organizations from Greece, Cyprus, Sweden and
Russia and supported by the Ministry of Youth of Azerbaijan and the European Youth Foundation.