The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatoviс, called today upon the government of Azerbaijan to stop systematic intimidation of jailed journalist Eynulla Fatullayev, live up to its OSCE media-freedom commitments and comply with a European Court of Human Rights’ (ECtHR) judgment ordering his immediate release, the OSCE website reports.

On 2 March, Fatullayev was transferred to Prison Colony No. 1 in Baku, despite his petition to the Justice Ministry to serve his jail term in another detention facility where he would feel safer.

“I am deeply worried about Fatullayev’s safety and deteriorating health, and seriously concerned by reports that his family has been continuously receiving anonymous threats,” Mijatovic said. “I call upon the Azerbaijani authorities to live up to its OSCE media freedom commitments and take all necessary steps to ensure full safety of the journalist and his relatives.”

 “Not only are the Azerbaijani authorities ignoring the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights, but they also continue to systematically harass Fatullayev,” Mijatović said. “This must stop at once, and Fatullayev should be set free without delay.”