Khadija Ismayilova’s Letter From an Azerbaijani Prison

• 02.19.2015, 13:20
•  Region,  World

Khadija Ismayilova’s letter from an Azerbaijani prison was published in Washington Post. In the letter the journalist and the contributor to Radio Liberty’s Azerbaijani service apologized for her long silence and explained that after her last letter was published, her cell was searched and all notes were taken. "I am no longer on the air, but inside these walls I’m connected to the struggles of Azeris in a more direct and personal way. "Why am I here?" is a question that everyone in prison asks themselves, no matter the crime. Corruption is the reason I am in my prison, but the regime’s corruption, not mine," – Ismayilova wrote.

She stressed that she will prove that the regime in Azerbaijan is corrupted and for that reason in 2015 will publish more investigations. Admitting that she will have to pay price for that, Ismayilova noted that it is worth it, because she wants a new reality where people will not be afraid of telling the truth.

"This is a country where money and power can cover up any crime, and where truth and deception have traded places. As a result, there are some 100 political prisoners behind bars in Azerbaijan," – Islayilova wrote adding that if the people in Azerbaijan continue rejecting the thinking that is imposed on them, then the people will be the winners.