Mushfig Huseynov

Journalist, Azerbaijan. In Prison.

Mushfig Huseynov was one of Azerbaijan’s most high profile freelance journalists, reporting regularly on government corruption and lawlessness. In July 2007, he was arrested, accused of bribe-taking and – despite evidence to the contrary – sentenced to five years imprisonment.

Mushfig’s wife Arzu and their two sons (aged 2 years and 17 months) are allowed to visit him every two weeks.  The prison is many hours travel away, but on arrival, they are often told that they can’t visit him after all. They have to bribe the guards in order to see Mushfig and give him the food and medicine he needs (Mushfig and Arzu both suffer from TB.)

Arzu has been struggling to support the children, but the elder son suffers from ischemic brain damage and the extended family is not able to provide him with all the medical assistance he needs.

The Trust has made several grants to the family which is covering the costs of prison visits, medical expenses for the children and basic subsistence. As Mushfig will not be able to earn any money for a long time – he has been banned from working as a journalist for two years after his release - we have also provided some seed money so that Arzu can set up a small chicken farm.