In 2006 Annual Report of Human Rights Watch, there is given a comprehensive report on the human rights situation in Azerbaijan, including a special section on media freedom problems in Azerbaijan. “Journalists, particularly those associated with opposition publications, face violence and criminal charges” says the report, listing the cases of assaults to journalists. (15-JAN-07)
Written by Shahla Ismailova/HRH Baku on the basis of HRW report
The detailed description of assaults, police harassment and partial court cases are highlighted in the Annual Report. According to the Human Rights Watch during 2006, at least six journalists and editors and a number of newspapers faced criminal and civil libel suits brought by government officials; at least three editors received prison sentences for charges including criminal libel and “insulting the honor and dignity” of a state official.
The report says that although Azerbaijan opened a public television station in August 2005 as recommended by the Council of Europe, media experts state that it is virtually indistinguishable from pro-government rivals and risks being shut down if too openly critical of the government. In June 2006 the government targeted the ANS television station, known to be comparatively more independent, by arresting some of its employees and initiating a tax investigation apparently in order to keep the station’s managers from acting too independently. In addition, the National Television and Radio Council ruled not to extend the license of ANS, Azerbaijan’s only remaining independent television station, says the report.
