The Seventh Congress of Journalists

Baku / 10.03.18 / Turan: The Seventh Congress of Journalists of the country was opened in Baku on March 10. However, not all media and journalists of Azerbaijan took part in its work, only members of the Press Council - 241 delegates from 166 media and organizations. In his report, the head of the Press Council Aflatun Amashov told a lot about the state's concern for journalists and rejected criticism that the Press Council is actually pursuing a pro-government policy. In confirmation of his words, he said that "we should appeal to the head of state with request to release convicted journalists from the remaining term of punishment."

Ali Hasanov read his address to the participants of the congress from the head of state. The appeal says that journalists "must resist the attempts of global international players to interfere in the internal affairs of states."

On his behalf Ali Hasanov said that no one can humiliate the Azerbaijani state. "We are strong in our army and our journalists," he said. His calls and recommendations sounded like a direct reference to action, were inadmissible in terms of freedom of speech and objectivity.

Similar speeches were made by other participants, for example, professor and former dean of journalism faculty of the Baku State Univetsity, Jahangir Mammadli, called on journalists to openly fight those who criticize the Azerbaijani authorities.

"There are people abroad who discredit Azerbaijan. I appeal to them - even if they commit acts under someone's dictation, they will still return to Azerbaijan. I call on all to fight against such people. Our journalism must fight those who oppose the state and its symbols, "he said.

Commenting on the journalists' congress, the director of the Turan agency Mehman Aliyev said that the Press Council has always occupied the side of the authorities during the arrest of journalists, trials over them and pressure on the press as a whole.

However, many of those who founded the Press Council were not invited to the congress. "This is a formal event. Most likely the participants will make an appeal to vote for Ilham Aliyev in the elections," he said.

One of the founders of the Press Council, Arif Aliyev, noted that he also did not receive an invitation to the congress. He does not think that the Congress will take any steps towards strengthening freedom of speech or help convicted journalists. "Over the past 10 years, this structure has not dealt with such issues at all, but was the executor of the instructions of the authorities," he added.

Another founder of the Press Council and head of the Union of Journalists of the country Elchin Shykhly said that he also was not invited to the congress. He does not expect any decision of the congress in support of the closed media and Internet sites of the country. -03B-