MRI: in 2011, situation with freedom of expression in Azerbaijan has worsened

In Azerbaijan, the year of 2011 is characterized by further deterioration of freedom of expression. This is the main conclusion of the annual report of the Media Rights Institute (MRI) entitled "Freedom of expression in Azerbaijan: legal cases of defamation, pressure, freedom of information, the Internet, regulation of TV and radio", which was presented on December 23 at "a roundtable" in Baku.

Among the most resonant facts proving violations of freedom of expressions, the report mentions the murder of the publicist Rafiq Tagi, arrests of Avaz Zeinalov, the editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Khural" and Ramin Bairamov, the editor-in-chief of the website "islamazeri.az", Aidyn Djanyev, the newspaper "Khural" correspondent, initiation of the criminal case against Shirin Djafari, the founder and editor of the newspaper "Gyundem Khabar".

Besides, the MRI has emphasized that activists Bakhtiyar Gadjiev and Jabbar Savalan, the active users of social networks, were arrested and convicted.

Among positive developments, the report mentions the release of journalist Einullah Fatullaev on decree of pardon after four-year imprisonment.

According to Khalid Agaliev, the MRI's project manager, this year, 72 journalists were subjected to physical and psychological pressure in Azerbaijan. Moreover, a new trend has been to provide pressure not only on local journalists, but also to representatives of foreign media.

In particular, Amanda Ericson, the US citizen, who cooperates with the newspapers "Washington Post" and the "New York Times", was beaten. Michael Ludwig, the German newspaper "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" correspondent, was subjected to pressure; three staff members of the Swedish television were detained and deported.

32 lawsuits were filed against journalist for defamation. In those cases, plaintiffs demanded to bring eight journalists to criminal responsibility.

The largest number of lawsuits was filed against the newspapers "Azadlyg", "Yeni Musavat" and "Khural".

In total, plaintiffs called for compensation for moral damage amounted to 2,700,000 manats (about 3.5 million US dollars) from journalists and media. In already completed cases, courts have imposed on the media fines amounted to 46,200 manats (about 59,000 US dollars).

In general, lawsuits against media were filed by officials, MPs, and representatives of large businesses. "When making decisions on those lawsuits, courts did not take into account precedent decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) on violations of freedom of expression in Azerbaijan," Khalid Agaliev has emphasized.

According to him, the year of 2011 brought no improvements of the situation with freedom of expression in the global network. In particular, the registration of the national domain "az" is monopolized by the company "Network Technologies". Furthermore, the vast majority of 29 Internet service providers, operating in the country, "are indirectly under control of the structures closely related to the government."

The Internet speed and level of providers' service, particularly, in the regions, are at a low level. With regard to safety in the global network, according to Khalid Agaliev, in 2008, department to combat cyber crimes was established; however, its "activity was a mere formality."

The MRI also emphasizes shortcomings in the regulation of TV and radio. "Till 2015, the government intends to fully implement transmission to digital broadcasting; however, it does not provide the public with detailed information about that. On the other hand, a ban on the import of TV and radio sets, which are not capable of supporting digital broadcasting. People are not aware of the upcoming transition and continue to buy them," Khalid Agaliev has noted.

Commenting on the results of the year, Rashid Gadjily, the MRI's Director, stated "delaying of adoption of the law on defamation, which would repeal criminal penalties for libel and slander."

Among the serious problems with freedom of speech and expression, Rashid Gadjily mentioned actual closing of the newspaper "Khural", property of which had been seized, and creation of obstacles for the publication of the new newspaper "ASI" (printing houses refuse to print it).

On December 26, the International Press Centre will hold more detailed presentation of the document, which will be attended by representatives of government institutions, civil society and international organizations.