Over 20 journalists appealed to foreign embassies for political asylum. The journalists claim that constant government harassment give them no space to work as journalists and there is permanent danger to their lives, however, the head of presidential administration Ramiz Mehdiyev (right) claims that there is no pressure on press in Azerbaijan. (31-MAY-07)

Written by Shahla Ismailova / HRH Baku on the basis of materials from Turan News Agency, IRFS, photo by Yeni Musavat.

The growing group of journalists, working for newspapers “Gundelik Azerbaijan”, “Realny Azerbaijan”, Nota-Bene, Azadlig, Yukselish Namine and independent journalists, submitted their political asylum requests to the US, German, British and Norwegian embassies and the office of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and are waiting for the reply.

Presidential administration claims there is no pressure
“Pressure is not exerted on press in Azerbaijan,” Ramiz Mehdiyev, head of Azerbaijani presidential administration, said during a press conference, according to Turan News Agency. “We simply take legal actions against some newspapers, editors and journalists insulting people.”

Mehdiyev called for society not add “political coloring” to the eviction of Realny Azerbaijan and Gundalik Azerbaijan newspapers from their office. He added that this was done for “safety reasons.”

Other organizations have been also evicted from the building, but some forces use that for their own purpose and politicize the situation, said Mehdiyev.

Mehdiyev also spoke about Azerbaijan’s legislation on libel and defamation. “The penalty for defamation is envisaged by the Constitution and Azerbaijan’s legislation, he said.  “The article on the penalty for slander must remain in the Criminal Code.”

Many international organizations have urged Azerbaijan to decriminalize libel and defamation, as to implement other democratic reformed, however some people claim that the authorities ignore international organizations’ proposals. Ramiz Mehdiyev stated that he does not share this opinion.

“This is absolutely wrong. We have established cooperation with international organizations based on mutual respect,” Mehdiyev said yesterday, according to Turan News Agency. “If some organization thinks that we show disrespect for it, it must give an assessment to its own actions first of all. Azerbaijan is an independent state. All attempts to exert pressure on Azerbaijan are doomed to failure.”