14.11.2007, 14:42 4505

USA concerned about arrests of journalists in Azerbaijan

The USA is concerned about arrest of journalists in Azerbaijan, the US Ambassador in Azerbaijan Ann Dersi said in connection with the arrest of the editor-in-chief of the oppositional newspaper Azadlyg Ganimet Zahidovlast Sunday, the agency reports.

Baku. November 14. Kazakhstan Today - The USA is concerned about arrest of journalists in Azerbaijan, the US Ambassador in Azerbaijan Ann Dersi said in connection with the arrest of the editor-in-chief of the oppositional newspaper Azadlyg Ganimet Zahidovlast Sunday, the agency reports.

According to the Ambassador, the journalists of oppositional press have been arrested.

"We are disturbed very much with arrest of the editor-in-chief of the newspaper Azadlyg Ganimet Zahidov. There is an impression that pressure is made on independent and oppositional press. This process can lead to very bad results," A. Dersi stated. The presence in the country of free and independent mass media is of great importance for development of democracy.

"Azerbaijan can be a strong and a completely independent state. The country needs democracy and one of its basic conditions for preservation of this status - free mass media. We wish Azerbaijan would have strong mass media, strong opposition, free courts and the system of human rights. The problems with press weaken the country and harm its international image," the diplomat noted.

Zahidov has been sentenced to two-month imprisonment by the verdict of Jasamal region of Baku from November 11 being charged according to the clauses of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan "infliction of light physical injuries" and "hooliganism."

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