February 18, 2004

Dear Mr. Aliyev:

The International League for Human Rights, a non-governmental human rights organization based in New York and in special consultative status with UN ECOSOC expresses serious concern about the continued detention and deteriorating health of Rauf Arifoglu, an independent journalist, activist, editor of the opposition newspaper “Yeni Musavat,” and prominent leader of the opposition political party Musavat.

Arifoglu was arrested on October 27, 2003 on charges of organizing the mass demonstrations in Baku that followed the controversial presidential elections held that month. If convicted, he faces a seven-year jail sentence. Since his arrest, Arifoglu has been detained in prison without bail. An official date for the trial has not been set.

Yesterday, at the urging of concerned colleagues and medical officials at the Red Cross, Arifoglu ended a week-long hunger strike. In an appeal calling for the release of the ailing journalist, media watchdog Reporters Without Borders stated that Arifoglu had been experiencing severe stomach pains and dangerous drops in blood pressure.

Given Mr. Arifoglu’s affiliation with the opposition movement and his involvement in protesting government intimidation and censorship of independent and opposition journalists, the League believes Arifoglu’s arrest and detention are politically motivated. The League calls for the immediate release of Rauf Arifoglu, including a thorough investigation into allegations of torture and police abuse committed against other protesters who were arrested in the massive crackdown unleashed by your government after the fraudulent elections.

Thank you for your attention. We await your response.

Sincerely,

Louise Kantrow
Executive Director

CC:

Amb. Reno Harnish
U.S. Embassy