Written by Azerbaijan Media Center

The authorities in Azerbaijan have been urged to follow the ruling of the European Convention on Human Rights regarding the rights of family members to visit prisoners.  Hikmat Hajizada, the father of one of the two jailed Baku bloggers, says he has not been allowed to see his son, Adnan, since he was arrested early last month.

Adnan Hajizada and Emin Abdullayev are both being held in pre-trial detention for two months following their arrest on charges of hooliganism.

Their trial is expected to be held before 6 September.

Hikmat Hajizada says he wants 880 AZN ($1,000) compensation from the local police department for denying him his human right to visit his jailed son.

{josquote}“Being denied access to my son has caused me emotional and physical pain.{/josquote} I am demanding 20 AZN ($25) for each day I am denied access to him,” he said.

European Convention on Human Rights

Journalists question Hajizada

Speaking at a news conference in Baku, Azerbaijan Hajizada said he was going public with his challenge to the investigators in the case because he wanted to end what he called “illegal arrests, illegal investigations and a denial of access to those charged.”

Hajizada said there was an inconsistency between local legislation and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Hajizada’s lawyer, Isakhan Ashurov, revealed that an extra charge of deliberately causing physical damage had been added at the end of the investigation and said lawyers had not been informed in advance.

Bloggers thanked for their support

Hajizada thanked all those who had been publicising the case of his jailed son.

He said the new generation of bloggers had given the older generation hope that their voice would be heard.

Note: This article has been written by bloggers and journalists from traditional media participating in a media training course in Baku organised by the Azerbaijan Media Center with financial support from the Council of Europe. All attended the news conference and this report was compiled from their notes, tweets and images.