Volodymyr Ariev (Ukraine, EPP/CD), PACE General Rapporteur on Media Freedom and Safety of Journalists, today expressed concern about the sort of independent freelance Azerbaijani journalist Afqan Mukhtarli, who has been reported missing in Tbilisi, Georgia, on 29 May 2017. The journalist has allegedly been abducted and forcibly taken to neighbouring Azerbaijan where he is detained in custody. This case is being monitored by the Council of Europe Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists. No reply has been received yet from the Azerbaijani authorities.
“I deplore the intensification of the repression against dissidents in Azerbaijan, and in particular against independent press. It seems that this assault is intended to silence an investigative journalist known for reporting on the corruption of Azerbaijani authorities. I call on Azerbaijani authorities to immediately release the detained journalist. I also join my PACE colleagues Boriss Cilevics and Kerstin Lundgren and call on the Georgian authorities to fully investigate all allegations made in relation to this case and duly inform the Assembly of the outcome of these investigations”, Mr Ariev stated.