Freedom House has issued a statement condemning violent attack on Azerbaijani journalist Ilgar Nasibov.
“The horrific physical assault on Ilgar Nasibov, a journalist, is the latest trauma in a rapidly and radically deteriorating human rights situation in Azerbaijan,” said David J. Kramer, president of Freedom House.
“The Government of Azerbaijan seems determined to intimidate human rights activists and any critic of its actions, whether by arrest on false charges or beating, as has happened August 21 to Nasibov. President Ilham Aliyev is entirely wrong if he believes his government can go after its critics without consequences while the world’s attention is focused on other hot spots.”
“He and his government should be held responsible for the dangerous and hostile environment they are promoting,” Kramer said.
“The United States and the European Union should consider sanctions against officials who authorize and carry out these horrific abuses.”
As reported earlier, Nasibov was assaulted on 21 August in his office at the Resource Centre for Development of NGOs and Democracy in Nakhichevan.
Nasibov sustained serious injuries, including concussion, broken cheekbones, nose and ribs. He is still in a very critical condition and receiving medical treatment at the hospital. The attackers also smashed and destroyed property and office equipment.