ECHR rules Baku must pay € 14,000 over violation of journalist’s rights

PanARMENIAN.Net - On June 18, the European Court of Human Rights ruled a judgment in the case "Mehdiyev against Azerbaijan."

As Tert.am reports citing contact.az, the Court revealed a violation of Hakimeldostu Mehdiyev’s rights, maltreatment, imprisonment by the Ministry of National Security of Nakhchivan for his journalistic activities.

The reason for the persecution became Mehdiyev’s publication about violation of citizens' rights in 2007, after which he was summoned to the local office of the National Security Ministry, where they started beating him with truncheons, demanding to stop his journalistic activity. After that, he was taken to court and arrested for 15 days for resisting police. While in custody, he was refused food and water, and was released without explanation in 4 days.

The authorities have not acknowledged the arrest of Mehdiyev.

The European Court ruled that the government of Azerbaijan is obliged to pay Mehdiyev 10,000 euros as compensation and 4,000 euros for legal and other expenses.