Background

In Tagiyev and Huseynov v Azerbaijan [2019] ECHR 875, Rafig Nazir oglu Tagiyev, now dead, was a well-known writer and columnist in Azerbaijan. Samir Sadagat oglu Huseynov used to be the editor-in-chief of Sanat Gazeti. They were convicted for publishing an article in November 2006 in Sanat Gazeti as part of a series written by Mr Tagiyev comparing Western and Eastern values. The article, entitled “Europe and us”, led to criticism by various Azerbaijani and Iranian religious figures and groups and to a religious fatwa calling for their death. Shortly after the publication of the article, they were prosecuted for inciting religious hatred and hostility. Continue reading →