Mass media not included in the Register will be prosecuted - head of the Media Development Agency

Baku/12.01.23/Turan: Over the past two months, more than 200 media structures have applied for registration in the Media Register, executive director Ahmed Ismailov, of the Media Development Agency Ahemd Ismailov told  on January 12  at the reporting conference over  2022. About 160 of those who applied received a positive response, and the appeals of the rest are being considered. In addition, the applications of 180 journalists have been approved.

Ismayilov also touched upon the media that are not registered in the Media Registry. According to him, media subjects not included in the media register will be held accountable.

“We have no right to impose sanctions on any media outlet that is not included in the register. However, after the 6-month period specified in the law, we will raise the issue in court. The court will decide whether to continue their activities or not," he added.

Media lawyer Khalid Agaliyev told Turan that even a number of media outlets that applied for inclusion in the register were refused. 

According to him, the Agency should disclose accurate statistics about the media included in the register and which were denied registration. “It is their legal obligation. So far, about 20 media outlets have reported that they have been denied registration and have sought legal advice. Nine of them went to court.

Others have complied with the law by tailoring their resources to the requirements of the registry and have reapplied for registration. The courts have not yet made a decision on these disputes," said Khalid Agaliyev.

*The new law on media, adopted in February 2022, caused sharp criticism, both in Azerbaijan and from international structures. It was regarded as reactionary and severely restricting freedom of speech and expression.

According to independent experts, this law aims to take under the full control of the authorities not only all the media, but also the publication of information on social networks. ---16D---