AMF against Criminal Penalties for Defamation on the Internet

The Azerbaijan Internet Forum (AMF), made a statement in connection with the adoption of the amendments by the Parliament of Azerbaijan, widening criminal penalties for libel on the Internet. AMF considers these amendments to be a threat to Internet freedom.

The statement pointed out that such actions in countries with fragile democracies ultimately leads to censorship.

On the other hand, the widespread anonymity of the Internet, posting on-line resources in other countries, the possibility of short term multiple sites and their closure and the dissemination of information through the resources of others, hinder the practical implementation of the law.

It is possible that after the amendments come into force, a number of popular information resources will be under foreign domain and hosting. All this will create obstacles to the development of the information infrastructure, sustainable information space and the development of the national segment of the Internet.

In addition, the adoption of this law can distract law enforcement resources from more important matters, including the fight against cyber crime and are contrary to the policy of the state of ICT development, and 2013 "The Year of ICT", highlights millions from the budget for development of the Internet.

AMF hopes that these restrictive amendments will not be approved by the President. -06D-