On 3 April in the Baku office of the Council of Europe, the Council of Europe Cabinet of Ministers “AGO” Monitoring Groups discussed the freedom of expression situation in Azerbaijan with leaders from media institutions and journalism organizations functioning in Azerbaijan. (05-APR-08)

Written by Shahla Ismayilova / HRH Azerbaijan on the basis of materials from IRFS

National statements
Mehman-Aliyev-1On the meeting Turan News Agency Director Mehman Aliyev (right) said that as a result of economic and political attacks by the government, the press has reached a critical state. According to him, alternative ideas can only be found in newspapers that only have circulations of several thousand, and on “Radio Liberty,” “BBC” and “Voice of America.”

ANS Broadcasting Vice-President Sayfulla Mustafayev said that in comparison with 2006, 2007 was not so bad for ANS. According to him, with the exception of some topics, ANS gave Azerbaijan’s population a reasonable amount of correct information.

Media Rights Institute Director Rashid Hajili said that Azerbaijan seriously needs to adopt laws on “Freedom of Expression” and “Tele-radio Broadcasting.” He said “at present TV channels are not broadcasting pluralistic information, and the vast majority of programming is not balanced, and thus violates existing legislation”.

During the meeting of political organizations and NGOs, gathered in “Yeni Musavat” Newspaper Editorial Office, appeals to the OSCE Chairman, Council of Europe Secretary General and Baku embassies of member states of the OSCE were adopted. The appeal calls for the verdicts adopted against journalists to be overturned, and for the wrongfully imprisoned journalists to be released. The appeal was signed by the majority of the meeting’s participants.

International reaction
The “AGO” Group head Per Sogren said that the Council of the Europe is paying special, close attention to the press freedom situation in Azerbaijan. He said that the group will bring up the issues mentioned during their meetings with government officials.

Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) co-rapportuer on Azerbaijan Andreas Herkel told “Radio Liberty,” “The hunger-strike of journalists shows that freedom of expression is oppressed in Azerbaijan. Having people like Eynulla Fatullayev hunger-strike in prison is very shameful.” If the journalists continue their hunger-strike, Herkel emphasized that talks about this matter will be conducted with Azerbaijan’s government.