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 Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety calls on the local and international communities to join us in demanding:
Reinstatement of the criminal case on the 22 February beating of Agil Khalil in "Zeytun Baglari," and the pressing criminal charges against the two men identified in pictures and video from the incident as National Security Ministry officers Akif Chovdarov and Dagbeyi Allahverdiyev.

Dismissal of the completely fabricated criminal case for stabbing Agil Khalil against Sergey Strekalin (Article 127: Intentional infliction of minor bodily harm), and the conduction of a completely new investigation into this case under the Criminal Code Article 126: Intentional infliction of serious bodily harm (there is no article in the Criminal Code with the wording "attempted murder," although that is what we and others, including Miklos Haraszti believe applies here) to find Khalil's true attackers.

Pressing of criminal charges against those who are manipulating/falsifying Khalil's case
Continuation of the protection being provided to ensure Khalil's safety for as long as the journalist feels his life is in danger as a result of these two incidents; the 22 February beating and 13 March stabbing.
Removal of the ban on traveling in place for Khalil.

Appeals can be sent to:

President
President Ilham Aliyev
Office of the President of the Azerbaijan Republic
19 Istiqlaliyyat Street
Baku AZ1066 AZERBAIJAN
Fax: + 994 12 492 0625
Email: president@gov.az, office@apparat.gov.az
Salutation: Dear President

Minister of Internal Affairs
Lt.-Gen. Ramil Usubov
Ministry of Internal Affairs
7 Husu Hajiyev Street
Baku 370005, AZERBAIJAN
Fax: + 994 12 492 45 90, +994 12 492 7990
Salutation: Dear Minister

Prosecutor General
Zakir Qaralov
Procurator General; 7 Rafibeyli Street; Baku 370001, Azerbaijan
Fax: + 994 12 492 32 30 (if someone answers ask for a fax tone)
Email: prosec@azeri.com
Salutation: Dear Prosecutor General

Ombudsperson
Prof. Elmira Suleymanova
Office of the Ombudsman
40 Uz. Hajibeyov Street
Baku AZ1000, AZERBAIJAN
Fax: + 994 12 498 8574
Email: ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.az