Jailed Azerbaijani journalist refused political reading materials

Imprisoned Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Mukhtarli has been refused political literature and not allowed visits from friends and relatives.

The news was made public by Samir Asadli, a representative of Nida Civic Movement, who added that Mukhtarli intends to appeal the prison’s ban.

“Each time we bring books to him, they are sent back,” Asadli said.

However, Mehman Sadiqov, the head of the Public Relations Department of the Penitentiary Service, denies the allegations. Sadiqov says the country’s legislation prohibits the issue of books whose content is aimed at inciting national, religious and racial discord, as well as pornographic materials. All other books can be accessed unhindered.

Mukhtarli is known as a sharp critic of the Azerbaijani government. He lived in neighbouring Georgia for several years until he was allegedly kidnapped in the centre of Tbilisi on 29 May 2017 and taken to Baku. The journalist was charged with illegally crossing the border as well as smuggling, and sentenced to six years in prison.

The incident has garnered much attention both domestically and abroad.

The Georgian authorities have been accused of complicity in his alleged abduction, while many international organisations have demanded Mukhtarli be released. Despite the outcry, the journalist remains behind bars. Now that the leader of the opposition Republican Alternative Party Ilgar Mammadov has left prison on parole, Mukhtarli is the most prominent Azerbaijani political prisoner of international renown.