Khaled Hosseini calls for release of jailed Azerbaijani journalist

"As a writer, I value as sacred the freedom to write and share ideas without fear of persecution, a liberty essential to any sort of meaningful dialogue," said Hosseini.

Khadija translated Hosseini's best selling novel "The Kite Runner" into Azerbaijani few years back.

"I am honored that Khadija was the voice that brought my story to Azerbaijan. Now it is my time to add mine to hers. I hope the world will join me in calling for her immediate release and unconditional return to her important work as a journalist."