18:28, 16 June 2004

Nakhchivan journalists accuse authorities of putting pressure

Malakhat Nasibova, a correspondent for the Turan agency and Liberty Radio in Nakhchivan, and Magomed Rzayev, a correspondent for the Azadlyg newspaper, have addressed law enforcement agencies, human rights groups, international organizations and the media with an appeal.

In their appeal, the journalists tell about continued threats issued against them because they impartially cover developments in Nakhchivan.

Unknown people regularly call the journalists and demand that they should stop publishing critical essays. Otherwise, they threaten the journalists with physical punishment.

Nasibova and Rzayev are convinced the threats come from the Nakhchivan authorities. Therefore they place all responsibility for possible consequences on Chairman of the Supreme Majlis (the local parliament) of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Vasif Talybov and republican security agencies.

The journalists call upon the country's public and international organization to protect them.

Source: TURAN Information Agency (Azerbaijan)