International human rights organizations are concerned about the situation with freedom of speech in Azerbaijan

In the run-up of the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan, scheduled on November 7, nine international human rights and journalist organizations have promulgated a new joint report entitled: "Freedom of speech in Azerbaijan is under threat - deterioration of media environment".

The report was prepared on the outcomes of the joint mission of the international partner group for Azerbaijan, which visited the country on September 7-9. The group included activists of the Article 19, Freedom House, "Index of Censorship", International Federation of Journalists, Media Diversity Institute, Open Society Institute (Soros Foundation), Press Now, "Reporters Without Borders" and the World Association of Newspapers and Publishers.

As stated in the press release that arrived from the international partner group to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent, the authors of the report noted the failure of the authorities of Azerbaijan to fulfil their international obligations to protect the freedom of expression and opinion.

"In Azerbaijan, those who attack or pursue journalists know that they will escape punishment for their crimes. The authorities' failure to investigate such incidents has a significant impact on the climate of fear and vulnerability," said Agnes Callamard, executive director of the Article 19, an international organization in defence of the freedom of expression.

The mission's report also contains a number of recommendations to Azerbaijani authorities on how to improve the climate in the country, including investigation of all acts of violence against journalists.