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When contacted by Media Azi, Ion Preasca, editor at RISE Moldova, said that the purpose of the rally was that the media representatives from Moldova express solidarity with their colleague, who was convicted in a trial which aimed primarily at moral, physical and mental intimidation. He said that the rallies were necessary: 'Solidarity is needed, because that trial was a warning to other states. The regimes in other countries are becoming more and more authoritarian and ours might follow the lead, walk the same path to stop the journalists' attempts to investigate fraud and corruption, which is persistent in all countries of the region.' Mr. Preasca believes that the Azerbaijani journalist might be released under the pressure of international public opinion, given that the trial was decidedly illegal and the allegations were ungrounded.
Khadija Ismayilova has published several investigative articles revealing the truth about the authorities in Baku. She had collected evidence and published materials revealing the actions of the Aliev family, which is ruling Azerbaijan; she wrote about the overseas property of the powerful family.
The protest organized by RISE Moldova will continue in the next two days. The organizers urge the representatives of Moldovan media and civil society to participate actively in the rally, as through expressing solidarity with the Azerbaijani journalist they will also express solidarity in fighting corruption in Moldova. 'There is plenty of corruption at state institutions, in political life here as well; we have a very severe problem here and it can be fought only through joint efforts,' added Ion Preasca.
It should be reminded that on September 1 this year Khadija Ismayilova was sentenced to 7 years and 6 months in prison, through a politically motivated trial: the journalist was charged for 'embezzlement, tax evasion, abuse of power and illegal business'. On the same day, OSCE and the Council of Europe have condemned the verdict.
Photo source: RISE Moldova
