Azernews.Az

The Azerbaijani Presidential Administration strongly condemns any pressure or violence against journalists, presidential aide Ali Hasanov said while commenting on a recent attack on an Azerbaijani independent journalist.

Idrak Abbasov, an investigative journalist with the Zerkalo newspaper and a founding member of the Baku-based Institute for Reporters` Freedom and Safety, was beaten last Wednesday by security guards while filming a confrontation that erupted when Azerbaijani state energy firm Socar`s employees were demolishing illegally raised houses in the village of Sulutepe on the outskirts of the capital Baku. He suffered multiple injuries and was taken to a hospital.

Ali Hasanov, the Presidential Administration`s head of social and political issues, said in an interview with SalamNews agency that Socar -- which owns the area where the demolition work is being carried out -- is conducting a scrutiny to identify those responsible for the assault.

We believe that what happened was not premeditated actions against the journalist, but was merely misunderstanding that emerged in the backdrop of the confrontation over the demolition work, Hasanov commented. The position of Azerbaijani authorities is as follows: while covering events, a journalist taking photos or filming is to stand aside and should face no restrictions.

According to Hasanov, Idrak Abbasov was hurt after he interfered in the brawl and defended someone`s property rights.

In any case, if someone is indeed doing journalistic work, they should not face any pressure. But, as you know, the demolition of illegally constructed housing is authorized, and no one can engage in construction work in any area without permission, Hasanov said.

I am confident that in this case, there was misunderstanding. A scrutiny will be conducted in this connection and relevant action taken.

The OSCE media freedom representative and the US embassy in Baku have condemned the attack on the Azerbaijani journalist and urged the authorities to bring those responsible to justice.