Idrak Abbasov: winner of the Index Guardian Award for Journalism

The Guardian award for journalism recognises investigative journalism of high determination across a range of media including print, online, radio and television, taking into consideration impact, originality and revelation. This year's award goes to Azerbaijani journalist Idrak Abbasov. Idrak Abbasov is an Azerbaijani journalist whose investigative work has put his life in danger. Abbasov reports for newspaper Ayna-Zerkalo and the Institute for War & Peace Reporting, which aims to give voice to people on the frontline of conflict and crisis. On 9 September 2011, after Abbasov investigated the activities of a local oil company, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) sent bulldozers to his family's home. SOCAR claimed ownership of the site as part of a project to develop local oil resources with Global Energy Azerbaijan Ltd. His parents and brother were hospitalised after being attacked by the company's security service during the incident. It is believed that bulldozers targeted the journalist's home because of his work monitoring human rights. Later that month, his parents were again attacked at their home. One attacker reportedly said: "Tell Idrak to get smarter, or we will cut off his ears." Videography by [email protected]