Fears of ‘government clampdown’ on Azeri journalists after Eurovision Song Contest
May 25, 2012 Leave a comment
The Crystal Palace in Baku, Azerbaijan, where the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 is taking place. (Flickr/glitchfield)
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 the capital, said that critical 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.
