Turan news agency, Azerbaijan
Aug 29 2013
US embassy condemns “disgusting personal attacks” on Azeri journalist
The US embassy in Azerbaijan has condemned a new wave of attacks on
investigative journalist Xadica Ismayilova. In a statement it
published today [29 August], the embassy expressed its support to the
freedom of expression but noted that this freedom should not be used
to publish “disgusting personal attacks.
“We are deeply disturbed by the ongoing, targeted harassment of
journalist Xadica Ismayilova. These actions are appalling and must
stop. We continue to strongly urge the completion of a legitimate
investigation into this case, in accordance with Azerbaijani laws and
international commitments. Doing so will demonstrate that Azerbaijan
is concerned about reporters’ rights and safety, upholding the rule of
law, and promoting an ethical and robust media environment,” the
statement said.
Following the publication on the Internet of hidden camera footage of
the journalist’s private life, a number of pro-governmental media have
recently been disseminated unsubstantiated reports about Ismayilova’s
“Armenian roots”, as well as materials compromising her close
relatives.
All this is happening amid an attitude of condonation employed by the
Press Council which is obliged to protect the ethical norms of
journalism.
[Translated from Russian]
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