Amnesty International calls to protect Fatullayev and his family

Within the campaign for support of independent journalism in Azerbaijan, the Amnesty International worldwide movement issued on March 19 a statement, related to regular threats against imprisoned Eynulla Fatullayev’s family.

“Emin Fatullayev, the father of imprisoned Azerbaijani journalist Eynulla Fatullayev, has been threatened with death if he does not stop speaking out about his son. The lives of Emin Fatullayev and his family are in danger,” said in the statement.

“At approximately 1pm on 17 March Emin Fatullayev received an anonymous phone call at his home in Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, ordering him to “shut up” about his son’s case or his “entire family would be destroyed.” He immediately reported the incident to the authorities.

“This is the third time he has received threats by phone relating to his efforts to bring the case of his son, Eynulla Fatullayev, to the attention of international organizations, including Amnesty International. Amnesty International believes that the charges against Eynulla Fatullayev, imprisoned since 2007, are fabricated and that he is a prisoner of conscience.”

According to the statement, Azerbaijani authorities have taken a claim about the latest threat from Emin Fatullayev, but have not taken any action to identify the callers and to protect him and his family.

The Amnesty International called on all to take an immediate action to protect Emin Fatullayev and his family, claim for immediate and impartial investigation into the death threats; and send appeals to Aliev administration and to country’s Ombudsperson Prof. Elmira Suleymanova.

“Amnesty International considers Eynulla Fatullayev to be a prisoner of conscience, who should be released immediately and unconditionally,” said in the statement.