Azerbaijan: Independent Journalists Covering Nagorno-Karabakh Protests Are Targeted On Social Media

Location: Azerbaijan, Baku
Date: July 15, 2020

Available in: 🇹🇷  Türkçe

Upon the killing of an Azerbaijani commander in Karabakh, the conflicted region on the Azerbaijan-Armenia border, Azerbaijani people started protests in front of the National Assembly demanding a national mobilization.

The demonstrations, which started under the slogan of supporting the Azerbaijani army, continued with slogans against the state. A group of people entered the Azerbaijani parliament, causing minor damage. The riot police intervened protesters with tear gas and batons. A group of people who entered the parliament caused provocation. The protest, which lasted for hours, dispersed in the morning hours.

Journalists who reported the protests independently and impartially were targeted today through a Facebook account.

The post involved profanities and call to violence: “These inglorious journalists do not deserve any fruit of these lands! Know about these inglorious who have taken advantage of the call for mobilization for Karabakh and profiteered Armenians. Wherever you see these journalists, slap them with courage. Hit them, know the enemy within!”

Journalist Arzu Geybullayeva reported the post to Facebook which was claimed to “not violate Facebook’s community standards”.

Among the targeted journalists is Meydan TV reporter Sevinc Vaqifqizi. Vaqifqizi was prosecuted on charges of “insulting the honor and dignity of the nation” last year, and faced a 2,500 manat (about $1,500) fine after filming and reporting on what she said appeared to be election fraud. Sevinc Vaqifqizi is a freelance journalist. In her articles she often criticizes the authorities. Sevinç was also among 18 journalists beaten up by the police while covering the elections this year.

Another journalist, Obyektiv TV reporter Fatima Mövlanlı repeatedly faced blackmail and detention. On March 19, 2019, threats were made to her family while in the police car.

“But in all offices they forced me to sign fake confessions, sergeants are excessively rude, our detentions are illegal, therefore, even with a polite attitude towards detainees, there is nothing to thank them for.” said Fatima in an interview, adding “[during] my first arrest (...)I said that I stayed at my friend ... But then I collected my strength and stated that I had to say under strong pressure from the police; I had to lie because the police threatened me with troubles against my family members.”

Arzu Geybullayeva, journalist and founder of Azerbaijan Internet Watch, who spoke to The Coalition For Women In Journalism was also previously targeted by anti-Armenian extremist groups.

Arzu said the following about these threats faced by journalists: “It is unacceptable that these journalists who share the truth of Azerbaijan with the people despite the overwhelming pressure are being targeted. Such acts of targeting is nothing more than a dangerous and ugly smear campaign. In the history of press freedom of Azerbaijan, there have been previously targeted journalists. Among them, there were also those who died and were imprisoned. But for some reason, those who were violent towards journalists or those who targeted them were not arrested. It is unacceptable to take advantage of journalists in such a sensitive period.”

According to the 2020 World Press Freedom Index, Azerbaijan ranks 168th, while threats against anti-government journalists cross the country's borders.

As The Coalition For Women In Journalism we noted that in the first half of 2020, threats and attacks towards women journalists in Azerbaijan were on the rise during the elections in which the police carried out mass violence.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is concerned about the violations of the freedom of the press in Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani government should protect journalists against blatant threats and investigate social media attacks, while Facebook administrators should ban those provocative accounts.

*We would like to thank journalist Arzu Geybullayeva for her contribution to this statement.

...

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world, and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

Follow us on Instagram @womeninjournalism and Twitter @CFWIJ. Our website is WomenInJournalism.org and we can be reached at press@womeninjournalism.org

hi @Facebook this page https://t.co/zxkV9SAYu6 is spreading misinformation, and hatred. the post i shared is targeting a group of independent journalists. and yet, you claim it doesn't violate your #communitystandards - is it bec.its sponsored and u rather not take action?

— Arzu Geybulla (@arzugeybulla) July 15, 2020

The Coalition For Women In Journalism closely monitors the incidents in Turkey with great concern. Since March 8, Women's Day, police violence against women journalists increasingly continues in the country. As the coalition, we urge the Turkish state to provide a free environment for journalists. Following the news is our most fundamental democratic right to report. We demand the immediate release of our detained colleagues. Journalism is not a crime. Journalism cannot be prevented.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.