Azeri Journalist Was Beaten For His Work, Editor Says

(RFE/RL) March 6, 2006 -- The editor of Azerbaijan's opposition newspaper "Azadliq" says he believes an attack on one of the newspaper's reporters was linked to the work he was doing.

Reporter Fikret Huseynli was attacked late yesterday. A spokesman for the opposition People's Front of Azerbaijan said assailants bundled Huseynli into a car, drove him to a dark alley and beat and stabbed him. The assailants fled the scene when Huseynli lost consciousness.

"Azadliq" Editor in Chief Qanimat Zahid told a press conference today that the attack on Huseynli could only be linked to his professional activities.

A spokesman for the Interior Ministry rejected the allegations. According to the spokesman, Huseynli initially told doctors he injured himself in a fall but later changed his account of what happened.

The Interior Ministry said it is investigating the incident.

(Interfax)