Azeri journalists 'assaulted' in Baku
BAKU – Opposition newspaper journalists in Azerbaijan were assaulted on the outskirts of Baku, RFE/RL reports.
While Mr. Elmin Badalov of the opposition daily "Yeni Musavat," and Mr. Anar Gerayli of the "Milli Yol" newspaper were taking pictures of luxury villas, several unidentified men emerged from cars and started to beat and kick them.
Mr. Badalov said his fellow was pushed and knocked to the ground, but was unhurt.
"Yeni Musavat" journalist was investigating a report claiming that the above-mentioned villas belong to Azeri Transport Minister Mr. Ziya Mammadov.
He said the men took his camera and erased the photos. Mr. Badalov and Mr. Gerayli were held for more than three hours.
According to Mr. Badalov, the unidentified men warned them that they would be "watching them for the next six months."
Mr. Badalov received first aid for his injuries after returning to "Yeni Musavat's" office.
"Yeni Musavat" said it would lodge a complaint with the police about the July 28 incident.
An Interior Ministry official told RFE/RL it would investigate the claims by Mr. Badalov if a complaint was filed.