An Azerbaijani official has been accused of threatening a journalist in the build up to the European Games, with the writer subsequently fleeing to Germany.

Journalist Emin Milli was told that he is "no longer safe" by Azerbaijani Youth and Sport Minister Azad Rahimov, according to Reporters Without Borders (RWB).

Milli has been critical of the host nation's government and their human rights record, as well as the amount of money they spent on holding the event.

German RWB managing director Christian Mihr said: "We are stunned that a member of Azerbaijan's government issues such threats against the journalist Emin Milli, who is living in Germany.

"The government in Baku must finally respect human rights and tolerate freedom of expression and press."

According to RWB, Milli spent 16 months in an Azerbaijani prison, starting in 2009.