An international group of women journalist has expressed grave concern over detention of investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova in Azerbaijan for allegedly inciting a local man to commit suicide and asked the authorities there to release her immediately.
"Ismayilova's investigations into the business interests of the family of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev have repeatedly made her a target of harassment, including questionable legal proceedings and blackmail," International Women's Media Foundation said in a statement.
"IWMF has no doubt that the charges brought against Khadija Ismayilova are a concerted attempt to silence her and stop her from investigating corruption, malfeasance in the country's government, and the unethical business dealings of Azerbaijani President's family," said Elisa Lees Munoz, Executive Director of the IWMF.
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"We call on the authorities of Azerbaijan to respect the principles of press freedom, and immediately release Ismayilova from prison," Munoz said.
Ismayilova, 38, was interrogated for inciting a former employee of Radio Azadliq and Meydan TV to commit suicide.
The court issued a decision on a preventive measure in the form of arrest for two months on the application of the Prosecutor's Office.
