Azerbaijan: the frequencies of the ANS TV Channel has been put to tender

The ANS has refused to take part in the tender for their own frequencies to be held in the period December 5 - January 5. The decision was made by the management of the disgraced TV Channel themselves. Besides, the ANS shall bring a case before the court against the decision of the National Television and Radio Board (NTRB) of Azerbaijan dated November 24 not to extend the license of the TV Company.

On November 30, the NTRB made a decision to announce a tender on radio and TV frequencies of the ANS TV Channel and the ANS CM Radio. The ANS TV Channel was admitted to the tender as an exception.

In his turn, Mr. Mauricio Pavesi, head of the Baku OSCE Office, is viewing the solution of the freedom of speech problems in objective consideration by the courts of mass media complaints. On the other hand, the state should ensure pluralism of mass media and defend the freedom of speech. He has stated this today in his talk to the correspondent of the "Caucasian Knot." "The events of the last week have revealed the presence of "serious problems" in the area of freedom of speech," he said. "Thus, the stop of the ANS has caused a negative reaction of international organizations - OSCE, Council of Europe and European Union."