International organizations voice protest against conviction of journalist Zakhidov in Azerbaijan

The press outlets of Azerbaijan and human rights activists regard the conviction of satirist Sakit Zakhidov to be a political order. The Committee for Zakhidov's defence declared that it would launch another stage of his protection.

The International Organization for Press Freedom Defence "Reporters without Borders" asserts that satirical journalist Sakit Zakhidov was convicted as a result of a trial held with violations. The journalist was found guilty of storing and using drugs. However, the verdict was politically motivated and the Organization demands his immediate release.

Another authoritative international organization - International Committee for Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) - voiced out its protest against Zakhidov's conviction. "Adjudgement of Zakhidov is taking place at the background of encroachment on opposition and independent press in Azerbaijan. We are highly sceptical towards accusations of possessing and using drugs," Joel Simon, Executive Director of the Organization, stated.

The ICPJ has already addressed president Ilkham Aliev with a protest against persecution of Zakhidov and attacks by the authorities on the press. The Committee for defence of Sakit Zakhidov's rights declared in its address to international organizations that the authorities are eliminated all those who criticizes them before the presidential election to be held in 2008.

The "Caucasian Knot" informed earlier that yesterday, October 4, the court for heavy crimes of Azerbaijan finished the trial on Mirza Sakit (Zakhidov), satirical journalist of the "Azadlyg" newspaper. When announcing the verdict, Judge Azer Orudzhev found Zakhidov guilty under Article 234.1 of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic (use of narcotic drugs) and convicted the journalist to three years of custody and a fine of 20 AZN (25 US dollars) with the right to lodge an appeal. The journalist rejects the charges and thinks that the drug was planted on him with the aim to punish for his satirical works published in "Azadlyg" on the authorities of Azerbaijan.