Analysts point to problems with media freedom in Azerbaijan

In Azerbaijan, journalists are subjected to physical and psychological pressure and criminal prosecution; the situation with media freedom remains critical, human rights defenders have noted in their report.

The study "Legal status of media in Azerbaijan in the first half of the year" was prepared for the National Press Day (July 22) by the Media Rights Group.

The report divides violations of journalists' rights into several categories. The section "Physical and psychological pressure – threats" indicates that in the first half of this year, at least 30 cases of physical and psychological pressure on journalists were recorded.

According to the report authors, the environment for the professional activities of the journalists who are investigating the topics of high interest was not safe either. They called the attack on the journalist, Aiten Mamedova, who was investigating the murder of a small girl in the Tovuz District, to be the most resonant.

During the review period, the law "On Media" came into force; the content thereof, according to the authors, is aimed at the complete subordination of media to state regulation.

The report puts forward a number of recommendations. In particular, it is proposed to abolish the law on media and develop a new legislative act; and if this is not possible, then, all the norms that threaten the freedom of the press should be removed from the law. Besides, it is recommended to investigate all the cases of physical and psychological persecution of journalists. It is also necessary to promptly investigate the cases of suppression and obstruction of collection by them of information, the authors of the review believe.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on July 23, 2022 at 02:04 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.