The National Radio and TV Council (NRTC) proposed the creation of the special structure to regulate and control internet space. The local Azerbaijani NGO “Azerbaijan Internet Forum” (AIF) expressed serious concern about this step and called it a form of “censorship”. This “absurd” step violates articles in Azerbaijan’s Constitution and international norms related to freedom of the press and expression, as well as information exchange”, reads the statement. (22-JUN-07)
Written by Shahla Ismailova /HRH Baku on the basis of information from Turan, IRFS
“This is a blow to Azerbaijan’s international image and will lead to Azerbaijan’s placement on a “black list” of countries that limit their citizens’ access to the internet. It is also a demonstration of government officials exceeding their power, but because Azerbaijan’s internet sector is monopolized the realization of such a step will be quite easy”, AIF writes in its statement.
The NRTC is exceeding its power, because the Internet does not have any relations to state frequencies that the NRTC controls. Therefore, such proposals cannot cause danger about ungrounded interference of state structures into the affairs of Internet-subjects and cause damage to the image of the country.
The “Internet-Forum” considers “absurd” the proposals of the NRTC to issue licenses for Internet subjects. “This proposal can be interpreted as an attempt to introduce censorship on the Internet,” the statement reads.
