Media registry is a threat to media freedom, say a group of journalists and media experts

Baku/30.12.23/Turan: A group of Azerbaijani journalists and media experts proposed to remove from the new law "On Media" the provisions regarding the creation of the Media Register. This position is contained in the Appraisal Document adopted by 37 journalists and media experts of the country. It is proposed to exclude from the law the Article 65.4.4 (Suspension of activities of print and online media entities, or termination of their activities).

The authors of the Assessment Document note that the application of the new law, and its provisions on the creation of the Unified Register of Media and Journalists, restricts freedom of expression and the media.

In general, the law on media contradicts the Constitution of Azerbaijan and the international treaties signed by Azerbaijan, which is indicated in the conclusion of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe.

After the creation of the Media Registry, over 10 media bodies were denied inclusion in it under the pretext of "technical reasons". Dozens of media subjects and journalists were issued warnings.

At subsequent stages, there is a threat of termination of activity for hundreds of media entities. Currently, unregistered media entities and journalists are not allowed even to open parliamentary sessions, and in the regions they create obstacles to their activities.

"This unfortunate situation means problems for hundreds of media outlets and causes serious problems for media freedom and expression in the country," the document says.

The document was signed by Alesker Mammadli, Khadija Ismail, Shahveled Chobanoglu, Alya Yagublu, Aynur Elgunesh, Khalid Agaliyev, Kamran Mahmudov, Ulvi Hasanli, Mehman Aliyev, Rovshan Hajibeyli, Shamshad Agha, and others. ---03B06---