Media Rights Institute (MRI) has strongly condemned the amendments to the legislation establishing criminal penalties for defamation on the Internet adopted by Parliament on May 14.
MRI considers that these penalties are one of the means to stifle freedom of expression.
"The presence of these Articles 147 and 148 of the Criminal Code is contrary to the decisions of the Council of Europe, and especially in the case law of the European Court of Human Rights on freedom of expression," reads the statement of the MRI.
Moreover, according to the president of Azerbaijan, the National Program for Strengthening the Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms approved in 2011, proposals to decriminalize defamation should be prepared in 2012.
However, despite this, the Azerbaijani Parliament has toughen penalties for libel and slander.
IPM regards it as a regress and violation of the obligations of the government.—16/06D--
Politics
-
A candidate in the municipal elections for the 23rd Nasimi-Sabail electoral district, activist Djamila Alisheva, has reported administrative barriers in conducting her campaign. She claims that the district election commission is refusing to provide the necessary forms for her authorized representatives.
-
On January 15, the Tbilisi Court of Appeals rejected the appeal of Afghan Sadigov, the founder of the Azel TV website, who had protested his extradition to Azerbaijan. Sadigov’s wife, Sevinj Sadigova, stated that this was the final judicial instance in Georgia making a decision on the case, Turan reported. On the other hand, lawyer Mariam Kvelashvili informed Turan that the defense would continue legal steps to prevent the extradition of Afghan Sadigov. According to his wife, Afghan has been on hunger strike for 117 days, and his health is critical.
-
Jamil Hajiyev, a member of the National Council of Democratic Forces, has reported continued pressure from the police. On January 10, during the trial of opposition figure Tofig Yagublu at the Baku Serious Crimes Court, Hajiyev unfurled a banner reading "Freedom for Political Prisoners!"
-
On January 15, the Yasamal District Court rejected the motion to change the detention measure for Azer Gasymly, the director of the Institute of Political Management, his lawyer, Agyl Laidj, to Turan. "Azer Gasymly stated during the trial that the charges against him were fabricated and related to his socio-political activities," the lawyer said. An appeal will be filed against the court's decision.
Rəy yaz