It is impossible to be protected from criticism on the Internet, an expert

The arrests of representatives of social media have increased recently. This is probably due to fears that social networks are turning into a platform for criticism of the government, said in an interview with Çətin Sual program the expert in the field of media rights Khalid Agaliyev. In his opinion, after the government took control of print and broadcast media, carriers of alternative opinions were forced to use social media. Therefore, the edge of government pressure was redirected to social media.

At least 15 journalists, bloggers, active users of social networks, arrested for critical publications, are currently in prison. However, they are all accused of hooliganism, drug trafficking and extortion.

To the question what caused the international reaction to the verdict of blogger Mehman Huseynov, the expert replied that his arrest was expected. "He constantly covered the facts of corruption and did it not entirely ethically. He was arrested on charges of defamation against the promises of the government not to apply the article of the Criminal Code on defamation," Agaliyev said.

The expert stated that since 2007-2008 the legislation on freedom of expression and the press is steadily deteriorating. Even the Constitution was amended by restrictive amendments. "However, those who initiate harsh measures against freedom of the Internet should understand that it is impossible to escape from criticism in the global network, except if it is completely disconnected in Azerbaijan.

It is also necessary to understand that it is because of the restriction of press freedom in traditional media that criticism has concentrated in social media, "he said. However, by closing and blocking local Internet publications, it is impossible to stop their activities from abroad.

Agaliyev also criticized the proposed amendments to the legislation, allowing the Ministry of Communications without a court decision to block websites. The Ministry of Communications is not a court, and it cannot establish a violation, for example, the reliability of information on the receipt of bribes. The expert believes that it is impossible to solve the issues of freedom of media by any state support of the media. For this, it is necessary to ensure the freedom of business, the independence of courts, and, in general, fundamental freedoms.-06D--