Discussing the problems of freedom of expression and safety of journalists in Azerbaijan

Freedom of expression is not an absolute right. It may be limited to incite hatred. However, the limitations must be clear, and  should not  run counter  to the  European Convention on Human Rights and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. This was the general opinion of the representatives of the Council of Europe expressed  in Baku a round table "Freedom of expression: the safety of journalists, gender equality and the media." The event is a joint project of the CoE and the EU  to support freedom of expression and media.

During the meeting, the participants were shown two video interviews with the judges of the ECHR. One of them on inadmissibility of the use of freedom of expression to incite hatred and incitement to violence.

Another video was about protection of journalists' sources. CE experts Bisser Zankova also noted the need for a professional attitude of journalists in dealing with sources.

During the seminar, representatives of state agencies claimed the presence in Azerbaijan of legislative guarantees of freedom of expression. However, a media expert Khaled Agaliyev expressed dissent. According to him,  over the last 7-8 years, the legislation has been steadily restricted. For example,  amendments were made in the law on obtaining information allowing  not to provide the information.

The Administrative Code imposes penalties for refusal to provide information, but this provision has never been applied. There is no precedent for applying criminal liability for the obstruction of journalistic activities.

  Over the past 10 years, the Institute of Media Rights, recorded 350 cases of physical attacks on journalists. Only in two cases the attacks were investigated, but no one was punished.

Of the 220 complaints about violation of rights to information, the court granted only two, said Agaliyev.

CE expert Marshania Leila spoke about the new initiative of the Council of Europe - Platform for promoting the protection and safety of journalists, created in conjunction with  six international journalistic NGOs.

The  site of the  CE posted dossier on every case of pressure on journalists (http://www.coe.int/en/web/media-freedom) and the Council of Europe, reacted to these facts.

In particular,   the website of the Platform provides detailed dossiers on the case of journalist Khadija Ismayilova. -06D-