Azerbaijani journalists call on not to restrict them in highlighting events in Turkey

The call of the Press Council of Azerbaijan to the media not to publicize actions against the Turkish statehood can be regarded as interference in the freedom of the media. This opinion was voiced by journalists and experts, interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot".

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on July 15, Turkish militaries undertook a coup attempt, in which 265 people were killed and about 1500 injured.

In its appeal released on July 20, the Press Council of Azerbaijan has called on the national media not to publish or disseminate materials, "protecting or creating the impression of protecting the position of the people involved in terror acts in Turkey or their inspirers."

According to Alesker Mamedli, an expert in the field of media law, a member of the public association "Civil Society Platform", the Press Council's appeal contains signs of attempts to interfere with the creative freedom of the media.

"Journalists should not be dictated or 'advised' how to highlight events and whose side to support. The task of the media is to impartially cover the events and processes and represent the points of view of all parties," Alesker Mamedli told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to the expert, when "using unambiguous wordings, such as of terrorism, inspirers, and supporters of terrorism," the Press Council of Azerbaijan "renounces the principles of respect for the rights."

Shakhin Gadjiev, the editor-in-chief of the online edition "Contact.az", also treats the position of the Press Council of Azerbaijan as incorrect.

"The Press Council of Azerbaijan should not specify what to write and what not to do. Their calls are not an order for the independent media. On the other hand, the Press Council encourages the media to take a political position. And this is unacceptable," Shakhin Gadjiev told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.