Ombudsman to Issue Formal Statement on Journalist Assault Incidents in Coming Days

Azerbaijan's re-elected Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman), Sabina Aliyeva, announced that the institution will issue a formal statement addressing recent physical assaults against media professionals carrying out their duties. Speaking to Anews.az, Aliyeva noted: "We will express our position on this matter within the next one or two days."

The announcement follows several violent confrontations involving reporting crews in Baku. In late October, crew members from REAL TV and Space TV were attacked while filming at School No. 225. On November 1, APA TV correspondent Sanan Bahramli was physically assaulted, verbally abused, and had equipment destroyed while reporting from the scene of a fire in the Nizami district; suspect Heydar Sardarov was subsequently detained and criminal proceedings were initiated. The Press Council and regulatory broadcasting bodies have strongly condemned the acts of violence. Under Article 163 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, forcibly obstructing a journalist's lawful professional work carries direct criminal liability.

N. Tebrizli