Deputy and freedom of expression. Erdogan's propaganda in the media

Baku/27.04.23/Turan: The Disciplinary Commission of the Milli Majlis will consider the issue related to the interview of Deputy Vahid Ahmedov to journalist Mehman Huseynov. In this interview, Ahmedov said that some deputies conducted business in violation of the law, and criticized the government's activities. For this, colleagues attacked him.

Propaganda activities related to the presidential elections to be held in Turkey on May 14 are also being conducted in Azerbaijan. This is clearly visible in the media and social networks. The current Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is once again running for president, is being propagandized in the pro-government media and on television.

According to the amendment to the Code of Administrative Offences, persons illegally interfering in the activities of journalists in the country will be fined up to 600 manats.

Alesker Mammadli, an expert in the field of media law, tells about all this in the "Difficult Question" program.

According to the Legislation, in cases where freedom of expression does not harm others, does not concern issues the discussion or voicing of which  is restricted, then restriction of freedom of expression or discussion of the possibility of punishment for this is inappropriate, he said.

"There is Article 91 in the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which states that deputies cannot be held accountable for activities, voting and statements in the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan. According to the same Article, without the consent of deputies, explanations and testimony cannot be demanded from them in this regard," the lawyer stressed.

According to Mammadli, the proposals of some deputies to deprive Vahid Ahmedov of his deputy mandate in accordance with paragraph 7 of Article 89 of the Constitution for allegedly gross violation of the rules of ethical behavior established by law for a deputy do not stand up to criticism.

"Vahid Ahmedov did not commit any actions violating the rules of ethical behavior, he just expressed his opinion, and expressing opinions is not an action. At the same time, he did not violate any article of the Law "On the rules of conduct of Deputies of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Armenia". Therefore, consideration by the Disciplinary Commission of the issue related to the interview of Deputy Vahid Ahmedov to journalist Mehman Huseynov is illegal," he said.

Referring to the propaganda in the pro-government media and on television of the current Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is running for president, Mammadli said that it would not give any effect, because they do not broadcast in Turkey, and therefore cannot influence the electoral behavior of Turkish citizens in any way.

As for the amendment to the Code of Administrative Offences, which provides for monetary fines against persons illegally interfering in the activities of journalists, then, according to the lawyer, it is unlikely that such an Article will be applied. "It can be classified as non-working," he is convinced.