[governance] FW: SAFETY ADVISORY: Fears of \'government clampdown\' on Azeri journalists after Eurovision Song Contest

Sat May 26 03:54:59 EDT 2012

Dear all,
It's good to keep an eye on what happens during and after the Eurovision Song Contest in Baku, in view of IGF 2012
Best,
Yrjö

Date: Fri, 25 May 2012 20:42:07 +0100
From: info at newssafety.org
To: 
Subject: SAFETY ADVISORY: Fears of \'government clampdown\' on Azeri journalists after Eurovision Song Contest

SAFETY ADVISORY: Fears of \'government clampdown\' on Azeri journalists after Eurovision Song Contest

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The safety of Azeri journalists could deteriorate after this weekend's Eurovision Song Contest in Baku, according to local media organisations and activists.

The Institute for Reporters Freedom and Safety (IRFS), based in Baku, said that local journalists could be victims of a government crackdown after the international spotlight has left the oil-rich state."The main concern at this point is what will happen once the party is over,” said Celia Davies, of IRFS.“Local journalists and activists anticipate another government clampdown. An additional worry is the vulnerability of all those who have spoken out and shared their stories with the international press."The concerns were raised after reports that Anar Garayli, an Azeri journalist working for a local news website, was detained by police officers in Baku on May 22.According to reports, he was wearing a Sing for Democracy campaign t-shirt and carrying pamphlets about a local youth movement.The website www.gunxeber.com reported that he was detained for resisting the police and sentenced to 10 days in prison.His case is the latest in string of journalists allegedly targeted for being critical of government activities.In April, award-winning journalist Idrak Abbasov was attacked and hospitalised by security forces after filming the demolition of houses on the outskirts of Baku, according to reports.And in March, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty investigative reporter Khadija Ismailova was the victim of a vicious blackmail attempt after a video of her engaging in sexual activities with her partner appeared on a fake opposition party website.Ismailova, who has written stories accusing President Ilham Aliyev, his family and his inner circle of corruption, believes that the film, which was recorded by a covert camera planted in her apartment, was supposed to intimidate her.“There are still very physical attacks [in Azerbaijan]. There is the KGB method of hidden cameras, which has happened to people as well as Khadija [Ismailova],” said Davies.“There are random beatings in the streets, threats, being taken into the national security and police station and being ‘given a talking to’, that kind of thing. That’s the core of it, and threats are spreading online.”Azeri blogger Emin Milli was assaulted and severely beaten in downtown Baku in 2009 after criticising the government online. He was sentenced to two and a half years in prison on what many human rights organisations believe were fabricated charges of hooliganism.“Many activists, journalists and bloggers who are outspoken in this period will be targeted after Eurovision. Shockingly, it has even started now,” he said.“The situation for local journalists will worsen. Anyone who is an independent journalist in Azerbaijan understands what could happen to him or her. They are under constant psychological and physical pressure.”“After Eurovision there will be much less attention. Come again at the end of the year, and check on the people who gave you interviews. Are they in jail? Were their houses destroyed? Are they living on the street?”Azerbaijan is keen to project an image of a modern, prosperous society to visiting journalists and the international community, but critics say that corruption is rife in Aliyev’s government.In February, Human Rights Watch issued a damning report about forced evictions of home owners in Baku to make way for construction for the flashy singing competition.And in May, human rights groups and press freedom organisations called on the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which is hosting Eurovision, to ensure greater media freedom in the country. The International News Safety Institute, in collaboration with the Institute for Reporters Freedom and Safety, issues the following safety advisory for local journalists working in Azerbaijan.Be alert to the possibility of secret cameras. There is some risk that your home, office or hotel room could be bugged. Journalists have been targeted in hotel rooms, etc. Secret cameras have taped intimate relationships which have been used for blackmail, or broadcast publicly.Be aware that mobile phones are not a secure means of communication. Be frugal with what you discuss on them.When you go out on assignment, ensure that at least one other person knows where you are going, and when you are expected to return. Have a backup plan if things go wrong.Avoid situations where your personal security may be at risk.Consider meeting government officials with a colleague if possible, to verify the story and the interview.Comply with standards of professional ethics.Consider backing up your material as frequently as possible, and keep the backups separate to your laptop. Consider carrying extra memory cards for copies and pass them on to your colleagues for safe keeping.Do not give away personal details and work details on social media sitesCall the IRFS HOTLINE (+99450 398 48 38, +99 470 398 48 38, +99405 2828797) with any security concerns.
Online security Online security poses increasingly complex challenges – these basic precautions are based on Eric S. Johnson, ‘Online Security for Internet Media Serving Severely Censored Countries: A white paper for SIDA’s Oct 2010 “Exile Media” conference’ (updated May 2011)Make sure you have good anti-virus and anti-spam softwareProtect your log-in details for any online accounts (email, Facebook, etc)Do not lose physical possession of your computer while it is switched on (it only takes a few seconds for someone to install a rootkit or keylogger, and then your security is completely compromised)Back up your data as frequently as possible, and preferably in more than one placeEnsure your office and home wifi networks are secure, and avoid using public wifiUse “https everywhere” (free add-on)Set Facebook and Twitter to use https for all access; you need to do this manually via account settingsSet maximum security for all social media networking sitesDo not accept everyone as “friends” on Facebook. Think about whether you really want or need them as a friendUse Gmail rather than yahoo, hotmail, mail.ru etc; it automatically encrypts information INSI will continue to monitor the safety of Azeri journalists after the Eurovision song contest and asks anybody with information on any incidents involving journalists to contact Rodney Pinder + 44 7734 70 92 67 rodney.pinder at newssafety.org; or Hannah Storm +44 7766 814274 hannah.storm at newssafety.org

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