Despite the difficulties "Azadlig" remains faithful to the principles of a free press, editor
Despite all the difficulties and the pressure , the newspaper "Azadlig" remains true to the principles of a free press, and serves the truth. The position of the newspaper is a measure of the general situation with the press freedom in Azerbaijan, said deputy chief editor of "Azadlig" newspaper Rahim Hajiyev in an interview Cətin Sual of Turan agency on the occasion of National Press Day. "Unfortunately today, Media Day, and we again meet it under dire situation which has been lasting for many years: it arrests and beatings of employees, astronomical legal penalties, obstacles in distributing the newspaper. One of the leading journalists of the country, Seymour Hazy, who was arrested and convicted on trumped-up charges of hooliganism, is still in jail. Due to financial problems, the newspaper owes its employees salary of more than 100 thousand manats, and the newspaper is published only thanks to their dedication," said Hajiyev.
He noted also that "Azadlig" is deprived of financial support from the state, which is generously distributed among short-run and pro-government newspapers. In a normal democratic state, the press should not require government assistance. The media should be able to work as a business structure , and themselves earn on circulation and advertising.
"The newspaper" Azadlig "for many years has been deprived of these sources, as businesses have banned advertising in our newspapers," he said.
The process of economic strangulation has been going on for a long time; at the end of the 90s. 70% of the media were independent, but today most of them work for the government, unable to withstand the pressure.
"It is a pity that a free media community has already become a small force. However, a few conscientious journalists continue their struggle, and there is a demand for them in society.
Daily visits to the online version of the newspaper "Azadlig" makes tens of thousands of original IP, it means the needs of people in the free press, interest in an independent and objective sources," said Hajiyev.-06D-
Difficult question
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This morning, an AZAL passenger plane, operating the Baku-Grozny flight, crashed. According to AZAL, there were 62 passengers and 5 crew members aboard the crashed passenger plane, a total of 67 people. The passengers on board included 16 citizens of Russia, 37 citizens of Azerbaijan, 6 citizens of Kazakhstan, and 3 citizens of Kyrgyzstan.
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The recent arrests, messages to the West from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in interviews with Russian media, the European Parliament’s resolution on repression against civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan, and calls for sanctions have been discussed by Seymour Hazi, Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijani Popular Front Party, on the program "A Difficult Question."
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In a striking interview with Russian state media, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev criticized a European Parliament resolution condemning the repression of civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan. He also rebuked calls for sanctions, prompting heated reactions both at home and abroad.
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On December 18, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, gave an interview to several Russian media outlets. In this interview, Aliyev discussed the significant influence of Western countries on processes in Georgia, highlighting the activities of thousands of non-governmental organizations in the country funded from abroad. The president also reacted to news coverage about Azerbaijan in Western media.
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