Index of Reporters Without Borders: Islet of independent media remained in Azerbaijan
Today the organization "Reporters without Borders" published its press freedom index in the world. This is an annual ranking of freedom in countries that appeared on the basis of media freedom and journalists, as well as government policy in the field of freedom of expression.
According to this report, there are some problems in some European countries, covering the first 30 places in the list of the freest countries, such as Italy, where there is still no decriminalization of defamation.
The economic crisis and budget cuts at the media undermines the activity of the press in France.
In Hungary, there is repressive legislation, which significantly affected the state of freedom of speech. The worst situation exists in Greece, where journalists work in the catastrophic social and professional atmosphere.
Many similar problems are noted in Bulgaria, Croatia, Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro. Severe is the situation in Turkey, despite the diversity and activity of the media, this country has become the world's biggest prison for journalists.
In Russia (148th), there is a return to the repression of the former USSR and the government has launched a massive attack on the civil society, and tightened control over the Internet, and limited foreign funding of human rights defenders.
Kazakhstan (160th) in 2012 experienced a policy of repression and strengthened the authoritarian model of government, as in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
In Azerbaijan and Belarus (the 156th and 157th places), there is a general atmosphere of pressure and violence against members of the public outcry, where dozens of journalists have been arrested and beaten.
Independent journalists and bloggers are at serious risks in informing the public. In Azerbaijan the noose is tightening around and islet of opposition media in the country, while several journalists languish in jail without trial in appalling conditions.
2013 began with more arrests and violence, which point to a further slide to the bottom of the Index.
In Armenia (74) and Georgia (100), the situation is better, there is a pluralism of the media, a low level of censorship, but even there the press is facing serious challenges.
Turkmenistan (177) and Uzbekistan (164) are a nightmare for journalists, where dozens are in prison and the government has full control of the Internet.
The worst situation exists in North Korea, Somalia, and Eritrea. -02D-
Politics
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova has decided to unilaterally terminate the Moldovan-Russian agreement from 1998 on the creation and operation of cultural centers.
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By the order of the head of state, Rufat Mahmud has been appointed the new head of the historical and architectural reserve "Icheri Sheher" – the historic center of Baku.
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On February 13, the Appeal Court did not satisfy the defense's appeal against the decision of the Khatai Court regarding the arrest of journalist Shahnaz Beylargizi. According to the lawyer, the journalist herself did not participate in the trial due to poor health. The defense intends to submit a petition to replace the arrest with house arrest.
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Azerbaijan will limit 'Sputnik Azerbaijan' and 'BBC News Azərbaycanca' editorial offices. This was reported by the country's pro-government media on 13 February, citing an informed source.
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