In a statement prompted by recent allegations of spying against investigative journalist Khadija Ismayilova, the Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) expressed concern over her welfare.

“Azerbaijan has consistently created obstacles for journalists reporting from and within the country,” said AIB chief executive, Simon Spanswick. “AIB and its Members are concerned that Khadija Ismayilova is the subject of new charges that are without foundation. We call on the Azerbaijani authorities to drop the charges and allow Ms Ismayilova and all other journalists in the country to carry on their work free from intimidation and threats to their lives and those of their families.”

On Friday, Ismayilova was questioned for the third consecutive day by Azerbaijan's General Prosecutor's office for allegedly publishing state secrets on Facebook.

The proceedings follow allegations published by pro-government media on February 12 that she had passed secret files on members of the country's political establishment to U.S. congressional staffers in Baku.

The U.S. Embassy labeled the allegations "absurd."

U.S. Helsinki Commission co-chair Senator Ben Cardin called them "clearly fabricated" and "punitive."

ANN.Az