We released this statement today after a Baku court upheld the convictions of Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli, the two video bloggers imprisoned on a fabricated “hooliganism” charge…
“We are deeply bothered by Azerbaijan’s continued practice of criminalizing freedom of expression and call on authorities to release Adnan Hajizade and Emin Milli at once,” said CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova. “Though the charges and subsequent trial against the two bloggers have been laughable in their absurdity, there is nothing comic about our colleagues’ imprisonment. Azerbaijani authorities must comprehend that public office comes with public scrutiny, and develop a better tolerance for it.”