OSCE representative on issues concerning free media Miklos Haraszti condemned pressure on mass media in Azerbaijan. He said journalism profession is not safe in Azerbaijan. "It contradicts commitments taken in front of the OSCE. During recent times we have fixed five cases of imprisoning journalists. Some of them were detained in the court room as soon as the first instance court ruled verdicts," he underlined.

Miklos Haraszti stated that Azerbaijan has turned into one of the most dangerous OSCE member-states for journalists. "Some time ago I had a meeting with President Aliev. I told him that the idea of his advisers to increase discipline among journalists aimed at forming more ethic atmosphere in this field through repression is catastrophically wrong. Only freedom of speech and self-regulation of the press will result in increasing professionalism. It's a pity that despite my calls to the President of Azerbaijan, politicians of the country to be more tolerant towards media, Azerbaijan does not observe international standards. I hope authorities will cancel the article "On slander", which supposes criminal responsibility," the OSCE representative informed, BBC reports.