Azerbaijani journalist’s death requires investigation

New York, November 23, 2011– The demise of freelance journalist Rafiq Tagi in a Baku hospital today following his stabbing four days ago by unknown assailants, must be fully investigated, said the Committee to Protect Journalists.

“We mourn the death of Rafiq Tagi and our hearts go out to his family and friends,” CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova said. “Azerbaijani authorities must thoroughly investigate the stabbing attack that led to Tagi’s demise and bring all responsible to justice.” 

Tagi was known for his criticism of Azerbaijani authorities, the government’s policy on Iran, and what he viewed as the negative impact of the popularization of Islam on his country’s development. CPJ research shows that journalists in Azerbaijan regularly face reprisals for their reporting.