Haziyev in the hospital (Turan)
PRAGUE, May 20, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has condemned what it calls a brutal attack on an opposition journalist in Azerbaijan.
Bahaddin Haziyev, editor in chief of the "Bizim Yol" (Our Path) newspaper, was in intensive care following the attack on May 18. Haziyev is also the deputy chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan.
Haziyev said he believes the attack was intended to punish him for critical articles he recently published.
In a statement, Ambassador Maurizio Pavesi, head of the OSCE's office in Baku, said journalists in Azerbaijan continue to face violence and harassment, despite declarations by the government about ensuring media freedom and independence.
Pavesi said his office is also concerned about the lack of any tangible results from investigations into similar cases in the past.
Haziyev said he believes the attack was intended to punish him for critical articles he recently published.
In a statement, Ambassador Maurizio Pavesi, head of the OSCE's office in Baku, said journalists in Azerbaijan continue to face violence and harassment, despite declarations by the government about ensuring media freedom and independence.
Pavesi said his office is also concerned about the lack of any tangible results from investigations into similar cases in the past.