Azerbaijani website editor kidnapped, his relative claims

Several people in civilian clothes kidnapped Arshad Ibragimov, an editor of the “dunyanınsesi.az” (Voice of Peace) website, and his whereabouts are unknown, a journalist’s brother claims.

According to Tariel Ibragimov, on July 28, his brother was kidnapped from his house in Ganja. Several people grabbed Arshad Ibragimov, forced him into their car, and took him away to some unknown destination, the brother of the journalist claims.

Tariel Ibragimov said that before the kidnapping, his brother was repeatedly summoned to the Chief Directorate for Combating Organized Crime of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA).

Tariel Ibragimov associated the kidnapping of his brother with his journalistic activities, because Arshad Ibragimov posted critical materials about the law enforcement bodies.

Let us remind you that on June 18, 2014, Arshad Ibragimov was arrested in Ganja on the charge of fraud. The court found him guilty of blackmail and sentenced him to 11 years of imprisonment. The Court of Appeal mitigated the sentenced to 10 years, and the Supreme Court – to five years of imprisonment. Later, Arshad Ibragimov was released early. Relatives of the journalist claimed that the reason for the prosecution was his journalistic investigation into a case on issuance of false diplomas.