Demand freedom for Samir Sadagatoglu and Rafik Tagi

Who are they, you might ask? Tagi wrote an article for the Senet weekly newspaper last year titled "Europe and Us," comparing the successfulness of European and Islamic societies and taking into account tolerance and predominant religious beliefs. Sadagatoglu was editor of Senet. When asked to retract the article, they refused. The two Muslim men were tried and convicted for "insulting Islam"; Tagi was sentenced to three years, Sadagatoglu received four years in prison. Not only were fatwas placed on their lives, but their lives were threatened in the courtroom -- and journalists simply covering the proceedings received threats as well!

You may think Azerbaijan is a world away, but those of us lucky enough to have free voices owe it to these two brave journalists to speak up for them -- and for the other Azeri journalists in danger. That's what this site is for. Here you'll find information on the case, press freedom in Azerbaijan, and other instances of "insulting Islam" charges being used to silence journalists and bloggers. Please contribute your comments and share the link!