Insult of Sheik’s dignity infuriates Muslims

The story of newspaper’s slandering on Caucasus clerical leader culminates with a Presidential nationwide address

Contrary to expectations, the developments around "Etimad" tabloid following an article insulting the honor and dignity of th Caucasus clerical leader Sheik Pashazadeh, have taken a sudden turn.

The article reportedly compelled regional Muslims in the south of Azerbaijan and Russia’s Dagestan Republic to take to streets in massive protest actions, as calls were made even to sentence the guilty newspaper editor to death.

The wave of protests soon translated into numerous letters to the Azerbaijan President demanding an urgent interference with the matter.

This urged the head of state to make a nationwide address, whereby he vented his fury over the situation of moral decay in the society as a whole and the frequent abuses of the freedom of press by media outlets in particular. He said many newspapers are often used by conflicting forces for their own ambitions.

According to unverified reports, the notorious "Etimad" newspaper is controlled by an ex-government official. In the article, the paper has labeled the Sheik as a "homosexual".

Punishment

The President went on to say that he himself was outraged with the newspaper’s impudence and agreed that the paper should be punished.

"People representing various categories of the population are expressing their indignation and demand that the newspaper be punished", the President said.

Pointing out to the freedom of speech and press as fundamental principles of democracy in Azerbaijan, President Aliyev expressed his regret that some editions backed by political parties abuse the opportunities provided by the Azerbaijan Constitution and legislation.

Indignation

A meeting of the Union of Editors Thursday unanimously condemned the publication in "Etimad" newspaper, which represents an insult of the honor and dignity of Sheik Allahshukur Pashazadeh.

The editors also denounced reports concerning an alleged death penalty for the chief editor of "Etimad". They urged the law enforcement bodies to track down and to arraign those who spread such speculations.

In his nationwide TV address on Wednesday, Sheik Pashazadeh said he would not accept the apology of the "Etimad" chief editor, but was also against the stoning of the culprit, as is envisioned by the Shariah traditions.

A. Pashazadeh said he counts on a fair ruling of the Yasamal district court.

Chairman of the «Tovba» (Atonement) society, one of the well-known public figures in Azerbaijan Haji Abdul has told ANS TV channel that he was opposed to the Sheik’s determination. In regard to the clerical leader’s refusal to accept the paper’s apology, he said, "The God forgives the sins of its children. Does the Sheik think that he is any superior to the God? There are many things ongoing in our daily lives that are incompatible with the nation’s ideology and spirituality, so why doesn’t the Sheik care about that?".

Trial

The trial of Etimad newspaper following the latter's insult of the honor and dignity of the Caucasus clerical leader Sheik Pashazadeh was to commence at the Yasamal district court of Baku Monday. The publication caused a sharp public indignation, especially among clergymen of Baku, southern provinces and Dagestan. The latter even pronounced a death sentence for the chief editor of the newspaper.

The trial, however, has been postponed till August 15, as "Etimad" has failed to hire defense attorneys. According to the deputy chairman of the Caucasus Clerical Office Haji Salman, the suit was filed in the wake of an article published by the newspaper on July 28 and entitled "Isa Gambar and three Armenians", which contained a number of insulting remarks concerning Sheik Pashazadeh.

The article drew heavy fire from the Caucasus Muslims and their resentment spilled onto the streets of Baku, Lankaran, Jalilabad, Masalli, Bilasuvar, as well as Dagestan (Russia), on August 6, 7 and 8.

"People representing various categories of the population are expressing their indignation and demand that the newspaper be punished", the President said and voiced his own solidarity with them. Pointing out to the freedom of speech and press as one of the fundamental principles of democracy in Azerbaijan, President Aliyev expressed his regret that some editions backed by political parties abuse the opportunities provided by the Azerbaijan Consti-tution and legislation.

A meeting of the Union of Editors Thursday unanimously condemned the publication in "Etimad" newspaper, which represents an insult of the honor and dignity of Sheik Allahshukur Pashazadeh.

The editors also denounced reports concerning an alleged death penalty for the chief editor of "Etimad". They urged the law enforcement bodies to track down and to arraign those who spread such speculations.

In his nationwide TV address on Wednesday, Sheik Pashazadeh said he would not accept the apology of the "Etimad" chief editor, but was also against the stoning of the culprit, as is envisioned by the Shariah traditions.

A. Pashazadeh said he counts on a fair ruling of the Yasamal district court.