Rights activists ask President Aliev to stand up for journalist Shakhnaz Beilargyzy

The authors of the appeal to the Azeri President have asked him to facilitate the release from custody of Shakhnaz Beilargyzy, a journalist, who needs medical treatment.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that Shakhnaz Beilargyzy, the editor of the “Toplum TV”, was detained on February 5 under a new criminal case on currency smuggling. She needed medical help at the police station. On February 6, the court arrested her. Due to serious health problems, she was placed under medical supervision at the SIZO (pre-trial prison).

In their appeal to Ilham Aliev, Novella Djafaroglu, Saida Godjamanly and Saadat Bananyarly, members of the Monitoring Group of Azeri Human Rights NGOs, have expressed their concern about Beilargyzy's health condition.

The authors of the appeal have indicated that Beilargyzy suffers from a number of grave illnesses, including diabetes and heart disease. They also draw attention to the fact that Beilargyzy has two minor children.

"To improve Shakhnaz Beilargyzy's health condition, it’s reasonable to release her. She can continue her treatment while at large, and when necessary, she will take part in the necessary investigative actions," Novella Djafaroglu has explained.

Although President Aliev has no right to interfere in the work of the judicial system, he can recommend that the Prosecutor's Office consider the possibility of choosing another freedom restriction measure, Elshan Gasanov, the head of the Monitoring Centre for Political Prisoners, has explained.