15:10, 20 July 2013

MRI: Azerbaijan preserves the trend towards worse situation with freedom of speech

Police breaking up an opposition rally in Baku, December 10, 2012. Photo by Aziz Karimov for the ‘Caucasian Knot’.

Journalists in Azerbaijan are still experiencing difficulties with access to information and are subjected to pressure; the country sees the tendency to poorer situation with the freedom of speech. This was stated in the report, presented on July 19 by the Media Rights Institute (MRI) "Azerbaijan: State of Media Freedom in First Half of 2013".

The report is based on the monitoring everyday events related to the freedom of the press and expression, trials and media and Internet publications. Such monitoring reports have been made by the MRI twice a year for the past 8 years.

"Unfortunately, the situation with the freedom of media in Azerbaijan is not improving; and many indicators see a downward trend," said Rashid Gadjily, the director of the MRI, said at the presentation of the report.

According to Khalid Agaliev, the project manager of the MRI, journalists continue facing difficulties with access to information. Besides, the practice of prosecuting journalists and editions continues, he said. He reminded that seven media people are still kept in jails.

Author: Faik Medzhid

Source: CK correspondent