Azerbaïdjan: arrestation arbitraire du défenseur des droits humains Emin Huseynov et saisie de ses biens

Your Excellency,

I am deeply concerned following the arbitrary detention of human rights defender Emin Huseynov. Emin Huseynov is the Chairperson of the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) and works to defend freedom of expression in Azerbaijan.

On 12 June 2008, at approximately midday, Emin Huseynov was detained while observing and filming a protest outside Azerbaijan's Presidential Administration Building in Baku. He was approached by a number of men in civilian clothes who took him inside the Presidential Administration Building. There he was reportedly interrogated for two hours by men in military uniforms as to why he had been filming, who funds the IRFS and what work they carry out. His video camera and his identification documents were confiscated. Following his release at 2.30 pm his documents and camera were returned to him, however, all of his photographs were removed and no explanation has been given for his detention. He was reportedly warned not to come back to the site or he would be arrested.

I believe that Emin Huseynov has been targeted as a result of his legitimate work in the defence of human rights, in particular his work to defend freedom of expression.

I urge the authorities in Azerbaijan to:

1. Carry out an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into the arbitrary detention of Emin Huseynov with a view to publishing the results and bringing those responsible to justice in accordance with international standards;

2. Guarantee in all circumstances that human rights defenders in Azerbaijan are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals, and free of all restrictions including judicial harassment.

I respectfully remind you that the United Nations Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, adopted by consensus by the UN General Assembly on 9 December 1998, recognises the legitimacy of the activities of human rights defenders, their right to freedom of association and to carry out their activities without fear of reprisals.

I would particularly draw attention to Article 6 (b): “Everyone has the right, individually and in association with others: (b) As provided for in human rights and other applicable international instruments, freely to publish, impart or disseminate to others views, information and knowledge on all human rights and fundamental freedoms”, and to Article 12 (2): “The State shall take all necessary measures to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually and in association with others, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the rights referred to in the present Declaration.”

Yours sincerely,