Communications Ministry violated the law when filing a lawsuit against sites - an expert

Baku/27.04.17/Turan: According to the amendments to the law introduced in March this year, the executive body can initiate the blocking of websites. However, a lawsuit against a number of opposition resources was filed in violation of these norms. This opinion was expressed in an interview with Turan agency by an expert in the field of media, member of the Platform for Civil Society Alesker Mammadli.

Commenting on the appeal of the Center for Electronic Security of the Ministry of Communications to the court with a lawsuit about blocking the websites azadliq.org, azadliq.info, meydan.tv, and the resources where the TV programs TuranTV and "Azerbaijan Hour" are located, he noted that the blocking requirement can only be filed after refusal of a resource to delete material contrary to the law. If the site management refuses to do this, then the ministry can apply to the court. In this case, the specified resources did not receive such a warning. The expert believes that the lawsuit on blocking websites aims to limit the influence of opposition media in Azerbaijan.

"However, it is almost impossible to limit access completely today. There is the possibility of access to any site through "proxy" programs, etc. There may be another goal: to pursue persons cooperating with these sites. That is, to accuse them of illegal activities, to exert pressure, forcing them to refuse cooperation," Mammadli said. On the other hand, official structures will receive an excuse not to give information to sites blocked by a court decision. There are practically no chances for appealing in Azerbaijan on court decisions about the blocking of websites. However, there are prospects for winning cases in the European Court of Human Rights, Mammadli said. -06D-