Azeri “donkey bloggers” nominated for Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards

Index on Censorship update
INDEX ON CENSORSHIP FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AWARDS 2010

The 10th annual Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards will be presented at RIBA, London, on 25 March.

The awards honour those who, often at great personal risk, have given voice to issues and stories from around the globe that would otherwise have passed unnoticed.

This year three Azeri activists have made the shortlist.
NEW MEDIA AWARD supported by Google

This award recognises the use of computer or internet technology to foster debate, argument or dissent. Nominations can also include those who enhance online freedom through the use of new technologies

Among the nominees are Emin Abdullayev and Adnan Hajizade of Azerbaijan
Emin Abdullayev – known as Milli – and Adnan Hajizade are two young Azeri bloggers who were charged with ‘hooliganism’ and sentenced to four years imprisonment in November 2009 after it was alleged they were involved in a fight. Both men had been actively using social media to mobilise opposition against the government, speaking out on a variety of issues, including government corruption, misuse of oil revenues, censorship and education. Several weeks prior to their arrest, the pair posted a video on YouTube mocking the government’s decision to spend a vast amount of money on importing two donkeys from Germany. Locals believe the tongue-in-cheek video angered the regime and was the real reason for their arrest. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe voiced concerns about the sentences and the ‘inevitable chilling effect on freedom of expression in Azerbaijan’. Sadly their convictions were upheld in a March 2010 appeal hearing.
BINDMANS LAW AND CAMPAIGNING AWARD

This award is given to lawyers or campaigners who have fought repression, or have struggled to change political climates and perceptions. Special attention is given to people using or establishing legal precedents to fight injustice.

Sourced from Azerbaijan Network TV