Allahshukur Pashazade: "If imprisoned journalists appeal to me, I will ask the head of state to pardon them"

I want all prisoners to be released, said chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Department Sheikhulislam Haji Allahshukur Pashazade, commenting on possible pardoning of three journalists, arrested under various article of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, according to Novosti-Azerbaijan.

The head of the Caucasus Muslims Department voiced readiness to assist to the release of journalists, if they appeal to him with the due request.

"Being a member of the pardoning commission, I have always protected rights of the imprisoned persons, regardless of whether I knew them or not. As for the adopted regulations, the imprisoned people should appeal to me with a request, on whose basis I could appeal to the head of state", said Pashazade, stating readiness to assist to the release of journalists.

Nevertheless, the head of the Caucasus Muslims Department noted that the President of Azerbaijan has a competence of pardoning the imprisoned journalists and he has no right to interfere with this process.

"I often received requests of pardon and I have always communicated their requests. I am a Sheikh and people appeal to me", said Sheikhulislam.