U.S. Embassy Statement on the Killing of Elmar Huseynov

March 3, 2005

The U.S. Embassy is shocked and saddened at the killing of prominent journalist and Monitor magazine editor-in-chief Elmar Huseynov. Mr. Huseynov was a leading figure in the media community, a dedicated champion of media freedom, and an outspoken voice for democracy in Azerbaijan. He was a man who stood up for his beliefs and principles, even in the face of great adversity. His magazine was a vital contributor to the public dialogue about Azerbaijan's direction and future. Elmar Huseynov's death is a great loss to the ongoing development of democracy and press freedom in Azerbaijan. His passion, dedication, and strength will be greatly missed.

The U.S. Embassy urges the Azerbaijani government to do everything possible to investigate Elmar Huseynov's murder fully and to bring his killer or killers to justice.

Our hearts go out to the Huseynov family in this time of grief.