ARTICLE 19 welcomes the decision of the European Court of Human Rights in Ismayilova vs. Azerbaijan, concerning prosecution of a leading Azerbaijani investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova.
In its decision, the European Court found numerous violations of human rights, including violations of Article 10 (the right to freedom of expression) and Article 18 (prohibiting restrictions of listed human right for any reason other than the one formally given and allowed under the Convention) in conjunction with Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Hence, the Court confirmed Ismayilova’s prosecution, conviction, and imprisonment were designed to silence her for her investigative reporting on government corruption. Such political nature of these actions and the misuse of criminal law to stifle journalism is unacceptable in a democratic society.
Over the years, ARTICLE 19 has been following Ismayilova’s persecution and the crackdown on freedom of expression and media freedom in Azerbaijan. We have denounced fabricated charges that led to her arrest in 2014, her conviction, and have been calling for her immediate and unconditional release and the withdrawal of all charges against her.
Sadly, the case against Ismayilova is far from isolated. It is a part of a deliberate intimidation and harassment targeting independent journalists, activists and critics in Azerbaijan.
ARTICLE 19 calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately overturn the remaining unjust convictions against Khadija Ismayilova, and end the climate of fear imposed on independent journalists. Azerbaijan must also ensure full compliance with its obligations under international and European human rights standards by ceasing the harassment of journalists and create enabling environment for freedom of expression.
Khadija Ismayilova’s courage and work continue to inspire journalists and activists far beyond Azerbaijan. We stand in solidarity with her and every journalist and activist in the country who puts their lives on the line to expose corruption and defend the public’s right to know.