Baku dismisses Norwegian journalist`s claims
Azerbaijan`s Foreign Ministry has dismissed allegations by a Norwegian journalist that he was beaten and prompted to remove his clothes at the Baku airport, labeling them ``slander``.
Spokesman Elman Abdullayev told Radio Liberty that ``inconsistency`` over Amir Asgharnejad`s looks was seen while he was going through passport control.
``When the journalist arrived in the country, he had long hair and a beard,`` Abdullayev said. ``But when he was leaving, [it was seen that] he had a hair-cut and shaved. This caused misunderstanding, but after the issue was clarified, he was able to depart.``
The ministry spokesman said Asgharnejad`s passport photo had been taken 15 years ago. ``Everyone knows that passport photos are to be replaced after some time,`` he added.
Asgharnejad, a Norwegian comedian, claimed upon return home that he was questioned and prompted to undress at the Baku airport. He had arrived in the city last week to cover the Eurovision song contest and prepared some comic video footage about Azerbaijan.
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