Azerbaijan - one of the most dangerous OSCE member-states for journalistsMay 18, 2007 - 14:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - 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. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | SBP instant transfers now available from 190 Russian banks to Armenia To receive money from Russian banks, easywallet users need to go to their easywallet accounts. Lemkin Institute urges Armenia to respect people’s right to dissent The Lemkin Institute has urged the Armenian government to respect people’s fundamental human right to express their dissent. French-Armenian journalist returns to France after 41-day hunger strike Nicolian said on social media on Sunday, June 2 that he needs to improve his health in order to “continue the fight”. Iran’s Red Crescent sends aid to Armenia’s flood-hit regions The Iranian Red Crescent Society has sent humanitarian aid to the victims of deadly floods that hit northern Armenia on May 25-26. |